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Originally Posted by grapes I called the office of one of the TOP tmj dentists. His dental assistant picked up the phone. I asked her if he stays in the room with you during your entire appointment or if he rotates between rooms (it's the latter).
I asked if he performs all the work himself. She told me that his dental assistants, including herself, perform some of the occlusal adjustments. I thought I didn't hear her correctly, so I asked the same question again. She told me that she and other assistants perform occlusal/splint adjustments.
She said, "I don't know what your POINT is?" (she picked up that I was shocked). I just sort of blubbered something and said goodbye.
Is this use of assistants common? Ethical? Legal? |
Orthodontists do this all the time; dental assistants are typically the ones who put on braces, tighten, remove, etc. This is why so many dental students want to go into ortho--great pay, little work.
And a even more interesting story...a good friend of mine used to volunteer for an ortho who asked her to do most of the ortho procedures on his patients. Indolent? Yes. Irresponsible? Definitely. Keep in mind that my friend was ~2nd year in undergrad and was previously pre-vet.
Re: His DENTAL ASSISTANTS perform occlusal adjustments!!! 
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