No says the Ontario regulations, and those of many Canadian and US jurisdictions. Yes says a new study in Scotland which tested the ability of dental therapists to reliably diagnose dental decay, and then compared this ability to dentists. Indeed, the therapists were more consistent and accurate in their diagnosis of a cavity than the dentists.
Sounds like a simple proposition doesn’t it? A trained dental professional seeing a hole in the tooth.
But this simple activity is all wrapped up in the longstanding rivalries between members of the dental team — and these rivalries are based ultimately on money.
To view the fully story, please visit: http://partnersinprevention.ca/can-hygienists-diagnose-a-cavity/
