An office that only does scheduled cleanings.?!
Question: I have noticed lately that it takes 3 months to schedule a cleaning. My thought was...what if there was a place that only did cleanings, x-rays, and expected for any cavities or work that might need done. If further work was necessary, all records would be released to the patient to take to their regular dentist. It would take some of the load off regular dentist offices. My question is, what degree of education would be needed to be able to run a facility like this in Pennsylvania, if at all possible?
Answers: I have noticed lately that it takes 3 months to schedule a cleaning. My thought was...what if there was a place that only did cleanings, x-rays, and expected for any cavities or work that might need done. If further work was necessary, all records would be released to the patient to take to their regular dentist. It would take some of the load off regular dentist offices. My question is, what degree of education would be needed to be able to run a facility like this in Pennsylvania, if at all possible?
Most states do not allow dental hygienists to practice without the supervision of a dentist. Which means that they can't open up their own offices. Dental hygienists aren't allowed to diagnose cavities (even though we see them and see them on the xrays...we're still not allowed to "diagnose") It takes a full-fledged dentist to "diagnose". The states that allow dental hygienists to open up their own practice require that the hygienist have a license, which requires at least 2 years of schooling, possibly 3 or 4 years.
This is my latest finding on Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania - " A dental hygienist is prohibited from establishing or
maintaining an office or other workplace for the provision of dental
hygiene services separate or independent from the office or other
workplace in which the supervision of a dentist is provided."
The dental laws vary from state to state. Contact your local dental hygiene association if you want to join up in the fight to legalize unsupervised practice for dental hygienists.
Me....i was always happy to just work for someone....I never wanted to open my own practice....too much hassle.
But anyway....hope that answers your question a bit
Julia is correct. Dental Associations in most states fight this tooth and nail (no pun intended) because if this happened, their office production would drop drastically and the hygiene dept. is their main source of restorative work (fillings, crowns) that are the big money makers.
If it takes 3 months to schedule a cleaning, that dental office needs another hygienist or needs to pre-schedule.
It's a good thought. Because at my dentist office, it takes forever to get in too. And God forbid you miss your appointment because you're sick. You then have to wait again. And then they wonder why you didn't get in for your regular 6 month cleaning.