| PATIENT CARE & SAFETY ARE AT RISK |
The Oregon Dental Assistants Association is aware that there is a shortage of qualified dental assistants in Oregon. The shortage is not going to change if the rules and standards set forth by the Oregon Board of Dentistry (OBD), Division 42 Dental Assisting, are eliminated.
| "The shortage is not going to change if the rules and standards set forth... are eliminated." |
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| Eliminating the rules or standards will allow unqualified people to provide dental care. |
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| "The shortage is not going to change if the rules and standards set forth... are eliminated." |
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| Eliminating the rules or standards will allow unqualified people to provide dental care. |
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The standards in Division 42 were approved by the Board of Dentistry and dental professionals, serving the field of dentistry by providing safe and quality patient care for over 50 years. Providing standards for Dental Assistants, OBD is promoting oral health and protecting all patients in the field of dentistry as well as promoting the Oregon Radiation Protection Service Agency, ODAA and OBD Mission Statements.
The world has just gone through three years of uncertainty for dental offices, dental professional and health care facilities. As the world becomes more stable, we as dental professionals need to assure our patients that dentistry will provide quality care in a safe environment. Taking away rules and standards will not make a difference in the shortage of dental assistants. Eliminating the rules or standards will allow unqualified people to provide dental care. As dental professionals we owe it to our patients to provide quality care safely.
X-rays in a dental office are being performed by a qualified dental assistant under General Supervision. “General Supervision means that a supervising dentist has examined and diagnosed the patient and provided subsequent instructions to be performed by the assistive personnel but does not require that the dentist be physically present in the treatment facility.” Patients understand that they can trust the person that is exposing their radiographs and that that person has the proper qualifications to do so without harm. Division 42 rules provide the proper direction for dental assistants to prove that they are qualified to successfully perform tasks where patients could otherwise be harmed by improper treatment. Division 42 requirements for dental assistants provide clarification on what can be done by qualified dental assistants to perform tasks on patients safely.
| The Radiology Health and Safety Exam is the foundation for the dental assisting rules in Division 42 and the safety of patients. |
The following certificates require that a dental assistant hold a Certification of Radiologic Proficiency (OAR 818-042-0060), complete a course of instruction approved by the Oregon Board of Dentistry, successfully pass an exam, and successfully prove competency by completing tasks clinically:
- EFDA
- EFODA
- Sealants
- Soft Reline
- Place retraction Material sub gingivally
- Restorative
The Oregon Dental Assistants Association wants to thank OBD for recognizing the need for Chapter 818, Division 42, 818-042-0050, Rule 813-042-0050: Taking of X-rays- Exposing of Radiographic Images, as a way of promoting safety for all dental patients.
However, a few Oregon Dentists have placed House Bill 2996 for consideration and if the Bill passes it will eliminate the required Radiology Exam, therefore jeopardizing patient quality of care and safety.
| Removal of the Radiology Health and Safety Exam will jeopardize patient quality of care and safety. |
The ODAA does not think that changing or eliminating any of the rules set forth in Division 42 will solve the shortage concerns. If the rules are eliminated, it will likely increase the shortage and allow unqualified dental assistants to perform tasks on patients.
The real shortage started due to COVID-19 and has continued to increase with the lack of support for retention and education as well as not providing a living wage for Dental Assistants.
| ODAA Opposes Oregon House Bill 2996! |
The OBD will be having a hearing soon to address this topic and I want to encourage you to come and speak out against the removal of the Radiology Health and Safety Exam. Please take the time to read House Bill 2996 and write to your representative in Salem to repeal the bill.
Professional Dental Assistants are an important part of the dental team who encourage and embrace standards and education in order to provide quality safe patient care for their patients.
Sincerely,
Bonnie Marshall, RDA, CDA, EFDA, EFODA, MADAA, BS
ODAA President
OBD Mission Statement:
“The Mission of the Oregon Board of Dentistry is to promote quality oral health care and protect all communities in the State of Oregon by equitably regulating dental professionals. The authority and responsibilities are obtained in the Oregon Statues.”
ODAA Mission Statement:
“The Oregon Dental Assistant’s purpose is to promote the careers of dental professionals which will enable the working individuals to promote safe and quality patient care. This Association will represent the dental assistant professionals in legislative activities, mandated health and safety regulations and provide progressive continuing education. The Oregon Dental Assistants Association membership services will provide information, resource and reference materials, publications and other benefits.”