Professional encroachment: a comparison of the emergence of denturists in Canada and Oregon.
Rosenstein, D I; Joseph, L P; Mackenzie, L J; Wyden, R
1980-01-01
In 1978, supporters of denturism in Oregon succeeded in passing an initiative which allows denturists to provide dentures directly to the public. The steps which led to the referendum included three unsuccessful attempts to have the state legislature enact a law legalizing denturism. After capturing broad-based consumer support, the issue was placed on the ballot and passed by an overwhelming margin. Both the denturists and the dentists in Oregon adopted strategies similar to those used in Canada over 20 years ago when the issue was raised in a number of provinces. As was the case in Canada, the denturists prevailed. Denturists stressed the price differential and the issue of freedom of choice. Dentists stressed health and safety issues. The public perceived the dentists' campaign as negative and self-serving. This perception may have contributed to the election results. In order to avoid this tarnished image, dentists must anticipate the public's needs, and formulate strategies to meet such needs. PMID:7377437
Garus-Pakowska, Anna; Leśniewska, Agnieszka; Gaszyńska, Ewelina; Szatko, Franciszek
2016-08-01
The aim of this study was to analyse the potential health effects of occupational exposure of denturists in the Łódź province. The survey was performed among 103 denturists working in 24 dental laboratories in the Łódź province using the questionnaire prepared by the authors. The most common health problems associated with work (occurring daily or at least once a week) were: back pain (69.8%); chronic fatigue syndrome (61.6%); irritation, itching and rashes on the hands (51.2%); restlessness and aggression (43.0%); and watery and itchy eyes (41.9%). Psychosocial and ergonomic hazards associated with work organisation (72.2%) were the most common work environment factors related to the denturist profession. Analyses of denturists' occupational exposure in the Łódź province and epidemiological estimates of the health effects suggest the need for preventive measures. © 2016 FDI World Dental Federation.
Comparative policies of two national dental associations: Norway and the United States.
Helöe, L A
1991-01-01
The major issues and challenges confronting the dental professions in the United States and Norway were studied through speeches of and interviews with the presidents of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Norwegian Dental Association (NDA) in the period 1980-86. The issues most frequently dealt with related to public authorities, particularly legislation and government involvement in dental practice. Anxiety concerning "busyness," the future dental market, and a drop in the quality of applicants to dental schools were also major subjects. The spokespersons of both associations were engaged in increasing the demand for dental services by marketing, but they were ambivalent regarding advertising, especially individual advertising. Both were concerned with protecting dentistry's autonomy. While the Norwegian presidents apparently feared the medical profession's influence upon dentistry, the Americans were concerned with the hygienists and denturists, and with the insurance companies which they suspected of intruding into the dentist-patient relationship. The presidents' statements, which frequently varied, were apparently influenced by the current domestic political climate, the basic socio-political principles of the two countries, and the different socio-demographic make-up of their memberships.
Missing links in oral health care for frail elderly people.
MacEntee, Michael I
2006-06-01
A national interdisciplinary strategy is needed to address the comprehensive oral health care needs of frail elderly people residing in long-term care facilities. Reasonable care within the social and personal context of frailty encompasses active prevention of disease augmented by necessary restorative treatment, provided with sensitivity to a person"s propensity to seek care. Typically, dental emergencies are managed quite well in longterm care facilities, either by treating the resident on site or by transporting the resident to a local clinician. In addition, facility administrators are usually well aware of their legal responsibilities to provide diagnostic services to residents before disease or dysfunction causes irreparable damage. Consequently, many facilities have arrangements with dental hygienists, dentists or denturists for periodic clinical assessment of all residents, or they seek help at the first sign of trouble. On the other hand, effective, widely accepted strategies for assisting frail residents with daily oral hygiene are lacking, and in many regions across the country it is overly difficult for frail residents with severe oral impairment or dysfunction to receive appropriate care and treatment. A cooperative effort from many disciplines will be needed to provide these missing links in Canadian health services and to realize the principle of providing maximum benefit to the least advantaged in society.
Envisioning an oral healthcare workforce for the future.
Nash, David A
2012-10-01
Health is critical to human well-being. Oral health is an integral component of health. One is not healthy without oral health. As health is essential to human flourishing, it is important that an oral healthcare delivery system and workforce be developed and deployed which can help ensure all citizens have the potential to access oral health care. As such access does not generally exist today, it is imperative to advance the realization of this goal and to develop a vision of an oral healthcare workforce to functionally support access. Public funding of basic oral health care is an important element to improving access. However, funding is only economically feasible if a workforce exists that is structured in a manner such that duties are assigned to individuals who have been uniquely trained to fulfill specific clinical responsibilities. An essential element of any cost-effective organizational system must be the shared responsibility of duties. Delegation must occur in the oral health workforce if competent, cost-effective care is to be provided. Desirable members of the oral health team in an efficient and effective system are as follows: generalist dentists who are educated as physicians of the stomatognathic system (oral physicians), specialist dentists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, dually trained hygienists/therapists (oral health therapists), oral prosthetists (denturists), and expanded function dental assistants (dental nurses). © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.
Profile of the oral healthcare team in countries with emerging economies.
Nash, D; Ruotoistenmäki, J; Argentieri, A; Barna, S; Behbehani, J; Berthold, P; Catalanotto, F; Chidzonga, M; Goldblatt, L; Jaafar, N; Kikwilu, E; Konoo, T; Kouzmina, E; Lindh, C; Mathu-Muju, K; Mumghamba, E; Nik Hussein, N; Phantumvanit, P; Runnel, R; Shaw, H; Forna, N; Orliaguet, T; Honkala, E
2008-02-01
Health is a critical dimension of human well-being and flourishing, and oral health is an integral component of health: one is not healthy without oral health. Significant barriers exist to ensuring the world's people receive basic healthcare, including oral healthcare. Amongst these are poverty, ignorance, inadequate financial resources and lack of adequate numbers of educated and trained (oral) healthcare workers. Emerging economies are encouraged to develop a national strategic plan for oral health. International organizations have developed goals for oral health that can be referenced and adapted by emerging economies as they seek to formulate specific objectives for their countries. Demographic data that assess the nature and extent of oral diseases in a country are essential to sound planning and the development of an oral healthcare system that is relevant, effective and economically viable. Prevention should be emphasized and priority consideration be given to oral healthcare for children. The types and numbers of members of the oral healthcare team (workforce) will vary from country to country depending on the system developed. Potential members of the workforce include: generalist dentists, specialist dentists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, denturists, expanded function dental assistants (dental nurses) and community oral health workers/aides. Competences for dentists, and other members of the team, should be developed to ensure quality care and developed economies should cooperate with emerging economies. The development, by more advanced economies, of digital, virtual curricula, which could be used by emerging economies for educating and training members of the oral healthcare team, should be an important initiative. The International Federation of Dental Educators and Associations (IFDEA) should lead in such an effort.