Work

Increasing Access to Dental and Medical Care by Allowing Greater Flexibility in Scope of Practice

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: In recent years, advocates for increasing access to medical and oral health care have argued for expanding the scope of practice of dentists and physicians. Although this idea may have merit, significant legal and other barriers stand in the way of allowing dentists to do more primary health care, physicians to do more oral health care, and both professions to collaborate. State practice acts, standards of care, and professional school curricula all support the historical separation between the 2 professions. Current laws do not contemplate working across professional boundaries, leaving providers who try vulnerable to legal penalties. Here we examine the legal, regulatory, and training barriers to dental and medical professionals performing services outside their traditional scope of practice.

Source: American Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2015.302654

Authors: Richard J. Manski, Diane Hoffmann, Virginia Rowthorn

Institution: University of Maryland, Baltimore

Language: English

Topic: Interprofessional Education and Collaboration

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: Dartmouth College