1. Does the revision to the standard provide greater clarity and certainty for dental practitioners to work within their scope of practice? .............................................................................................. 5
2. Does the introduction of the guidelines further support this clarity for dental practitioners and the public? .................................................................................................................................... 6
3. Are there additional factors which could be included in the guidelines to support the standard? ............................................................................................................................................. 8
The Comprehensive Primary Health Care Model ............................................................................ 9
Who should be team leader in a flexible workforce model? .......................................................... 9
4. Do you agree with the list of skills in the guidelines relating to programs to extend scope? Are there additional skills which the National Board should consider adding to the list? Do you agree that there should be a formal accreditation process where the skills are not a sub-set of an approved program? ........................................................................................................................... 10
5. Does the preferred proposal balance the need to protect the public with the needs of regulating the profession? ................................................................................................................ 11
6. What is the impact of the preferred proposal in your jurisdiction? ......................................... 12
1. The need for a paradigm shift to preventive care, with dental hygienists offering outreach services in a number of community settings
2. The need for a flexible model to allow direct access to dental hygienists, operating their own referral pathways as a member of a multi-disciplinary team, in a structured professional relationship with a dentist
3. The need for a new definition of dentistry and f or definitions of each dental practitioner
4. The benefits of dividing education for dental practitioners into three areas: formal education; advanced practice / add-ons; and continuing professional development.
1. Does the revision to the standard provide greater clarity and certainty for dental practitioners to work within their scope of practice?
Dental hygienists, dental therapists and oral health therapists are professional health care providers who are part of the dental team. They practice dental procedures included in the definition of dentistry in which they have been formally educated and trained. They do not need to be employed by a dentist and may work for a number of community, government and non-government facilities whose clients may benefit from their services. They practice within a range of environments and they have the ability to refer or seek advice when required in relation to patient care outside their scope of practice.
2. Does the introduction of the guidelines further support this clarity for dental practitioners and the public?
... may only work within a structured professional relationship with a dentist and/or dental specialist.3
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a Registered Nurse who has completed both advanced university study at a Master’s Degree level and extensive clinical training to expand upon the traditional role of a Registered Nurse. They use extended skills, knowledge and experience in the assessment, planning, implementation, diagnosis and evaluation of care required.
Through their training and expertise Nurse Practitioners are able to autonomously perform advanced physical assessment, order diagnostic tests, interpret the results of these tests, initiate referrals to relevant healthcare providers, and prescribe appropriate medications and other therapies as needed.
The expanded role of the NP is clearly defined by the scope or specialty area in which the NP practices.
Nurse Practitioners work as key members of the healthcare team and collaborate with other nurses and healthcare professionals including GPs, medical and surgical specialists, physiotherapists, dieticians, occupational therapists, social workers, and many others. They work in a variety of locations, both in hospital and community settings.5
2. Include dental hygienists and oral health therapists and dental therapists as ‘primary
... work as key members of the dental team in a variety of locations, including dental practices, hospitals and community settings. There is no requirement for a dentist to be present. Dental hygienists, dental therapists and oral health therapists work within a structured professional relationship with a dentist and are able to consult with and refer patients to a dentist for treatment that is outside their scope of practice, just as a dentist will refer patients to a dental hygienist or other specialist health practitioner where appropriate.
3. Are there additional factors which could be included in the guidelines to support the standard?
1. A dental hygienist works in a hospital, undertaking prophylactic cleans to support a cardiologist but the work is made awkward by the requirement to refer to a dentist to prescribe antibiotics. The cardiologist should lead this team.2. A dental team includes a recently graduated dentist and a very experienced dental hygienist. The dental hygienist should lead this team.
3. A dentist of 20 years’ experience runs a private practice, employing other dental professionals. The dentist should lead this team.
4. A dental team provides outreach services into a remote area. The dental hygienist and dental therapist travel to the area, every six months, treating appropriate patients on site and referring others to a dentist in the nearest town. An oral health professional other than the dentist should lead this team.
4. Do you agree with the list of skills in the guidelines relating to programs to extend scope? Are there additional skills which the National Board should consider adding to the list? Do you agree that there should be a formal accreditation process where the skills are not a sub-set of an approved program?
5. Does the preferred proposal balance the need to protect the public with the needs of regulating the profession?
6. What is the impact of the preferred proposal in your jurisdiction?
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