The Problem of Denturism
Dental technicians
are trained to create and maintain oral appliances such as crowns, bridges and dentures. Most train trains; Others attend educational programs of 1 to 2 years. Some of these programs are accredited; Others – no. Dental technicians usually work under the supervision of a dentist or dentist, or in a commercial laboratory. National Board Certification, an independent board established the National Association of Dental Laboratories, offers certification in dental laboratory technology. The certification, which is voluntary, is available in five areas: crowns and bridges; ceramics; Partial dentures; Complete dentures; And orthodontic appliances.
Denturism
Dentists – a relatively small number of technicians who provide dentures directly to the public. In the United States denturism in most states is illegal. In addition, the Federal Prosthesis Act (Title 18, Section 1821, US Code) makes any prosthesis or other dental prosthetic device that is not or is legally authorized to be a criminal offense in the interstate commerce market For licensed dentist. The main objection against denturism is that a thorough study of the mouth and correct placement of teeth often require skills that are experiencing dentistry. Dentists are not competent cancers diagnose or other diseases of the mouth, the main disease or shielded to recognize when structural problems of the mouth (such as invisible roots damaged teeth) could lead to injuries, if not corrected before the installation of the prosthesis . In 1991, the Arizona Dental Board noted that complaints about dental staff have been many times more frequent than complaints about the State Dental.
Denturists campaigned for the right to practice independently in many states, but most of these campaigns have failed. Denturist can Tutor only in Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Washington. Those in Maine, Arizona, and Colorado can be practiced under the supervision of a licensed dentist. In 1991, however, researchers hired by the Arizona Association of Dentists found that only three in 13 state dentists advised the caller to meet with the dentist prior to their visit. Denturist claim that they can fit into dentures as competent as dentists and cheaper. However, six years after the start of the Canadian province of Ontario to regulate the fees of dentists listed in their manual payment, they were similar dentists .
Training requirements to obtain fairly constant license in the six states where denturism is legitimate. All six require a minimum two-year degree plus licensing or certification. In addition, Idaho and Oregon require two-year internships with a dentist and Montana requires a one-year internship.
The American Dental Association strongly opposes the dental dental society and encourages the public to sponsor programs that professionally acceptable dentures can offer to disadvantaged people at a reduced price. There are programs of this type in most states. In addition, low-cost treatment may be available to dentists whose rates are comparable to dentists’ costs. Nearly half of the dentists’ ADA study respondents in 1994 reported that they were offering free or subsidized care to people with low incomes.
References
- Medical, dental, and ophthalmic laboratory technicians. Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Web site, Aug 4, 2006.
- FDA Compliance Guide 7124.07. Sec. 315.100 Dentures; sale in interstate commerce of dentures by persons not licensed to practice dentistry. Revised Aug 1996.
- McCann D. Cameras capture unlicensed dentist. ADA News, July 15, 1991.
- Williamson RT. College active in denturism fight. ACP Messinger 2(25):4, 1995.
- Abrams SH. Denturists: do they really provide more affordable care in Ontario? Journal of the Canadian Dental Association 63:771-774, 1997.
- Greer M. Peck AM. A study of denturitry directed by the 1998 General Assembly. Frankfort, KY: Legislative Research Commission, January 2000.
- Jacob JA. Survey measures free, discounted dental care provided by dentists. ADA News 27(4):22, 1996.