Dental Hygienists Working As Dentists

Too often when people go to dental offices in certain Jamaican communities, they are greeted by a receptionist who may also serve as the dental hygienist or, believe it or not, they may even take on the responsibilities of the dentist. Far too many dentists are opening up offices in these communities but are no where to be found at these offices during the important daytime working hours since they are working elsewhere. As a result, these dentists are leaving patients in the care of their hygienists/receptionists to perform important procedures. So, the dental hygienists/receptionists are running these offices under no supervision and charging the same fees as a dentist to perform routine and even complicated dental care services. A recent case occurred when a dental hygienist indicated that the dentist was not in office, but she would perform the duties of removing four teeth from the mouth of an elderly woman. Luckily, the daughter of the elderly lady was present to question the dental hygienist's qualification, refuse the dental procedure, and leave the office. However, too often unsuspecting patients who may not be knowledgeable about the dental hygienist's qualifications will allow him or her to perform dental procedures without the presence and guidance of a dentist. In such cases, dental complications may occur at that moment or later. Patients need to be educated that the dentist whose office was used for the procedure will ultimately be legally responsible for their difficulties. Evidently, the opening of private dental practices need to be regulated by the Ministry of Health so that a dentist is always in office to attend to patients' needs.