Copyright
2004
Dental Practice Board
of Victoria
all rights reserved.
19 August 2008
Invitation to comment: the practice of dentistry by dental therapists
The Dental Practice Board of Victoria’s Code of Practice on the practice of dentistry by dental hygienists and dental therapists (C002) was recently reviewed and a new version issued in July 2007. The Minister for Health gave that code conditional approval which expires on 31 December 2008. Another process of consultation is now being undertaken to look specifically at the issue of removing the age restriction from the practice of dentistry by dental therapists. The discussion paper provides background to the review and seeks feedback on the issue from interested parties.
The closing date for responses is Friday 26 September 2008. Responses should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer and can be
• e-mailed to: Peter.Gardner@dentprac.vic.gov.au
• posted to: PO Box 7050 St Kilda Road VIC 8004
• faxed to: 03 9699 4711
Looking for a dental care provider?
The Dental Practice Board regulates the provision of dental health care in Victoria. If you are looking for a dentist, dental prosthetist, dental hygienist or dental therapist, you can search for a registered practitioner by name or location.
The Board advises you to read advertisements carefully before choosing a dental care provider.
Keep the following points in mind:
• Beware of exaggerated predictions about treatment. Ask for proof of the claims that are being made.
• Read the small print. A practitioner offering a discount or other inducement must, by law, set out the terms and conditions of that offer.
• A person whose photograph appears in the advertisement may be a model, not a patient of that practitioner.
• Before and after photographs can be manipulated to exaggerate the effects of treatment.
• Be cautious about phrases like “No needle” “No pain” or “No drill”. Such “techniques” do exist, but are only suitable for a minority of patients.
• Be cautious about claims of advanced training in “Cosmetic Dentistry”.
There’s more on advertising on the Information page.
If you have concerns that a practitioner has not acted in a professional manner, you can ask the Board to investigate the matter. The types of issues about which complaints can be made include, for example: • misleading advertising; • poor infection control practices; • lack of consent to a procedure; • poor quality of work; • financial deception; • inappropriate treatment etc.
For details of findings that have been made against individual practitioners see Decisions. Peter Gardner
Chief Executive Officer
