Transforming and Supporting Patient Care - Health Professions ...

217Chapter 9 – Profession of Dentistryparticular specialties would require the authority to prescribe drugs thatmight be thought of as being outside the scope of practice of primary caredentists, (e.g., chemotherapeutic drugs) but would nonetheless be requiredin the course of practice of some specialist members of the profession.HPRAC agrees that moving to designated classes of drugs in regulationwould serve no practical purpose and would not provide substantial benefitto the public.Ensuring on-going CompetenciesHPRAC found that the RCDSO provides information to its members onappropriate use of drugs on an ongoing basis as part of continuingeducation. Dentists participate in continuing education programming toremain current in the prescription and administration of drugs. In 2008,RCDSO circulated the proposed draft Quality Assurance Regulation tomembers and external stakeholders. The proposal included requirementsfor continuing education, practice enhancement, peer consultation, and anannual declaration. 10Managing the Risk of HarmThe RCDSO has recently updated guidelines on the Use of Sedation andGeneral Anaesthesia in Dental Practice, based on the work of the College’sQuality Assurance Committee. The guidelines state that:Sedation or general anaesthesia may be indicated to treat patientanxiety associated with dental treatment, to enable treatment forpatients who have cognitive impairment or motor dysfunction whichprevents adequate dental treatment, to treat patients below the age ofreason, or for traumatic or extensive dental procedures. Thesetechniques are to be used only when indicated, as an adjunct toappropriate non-pharmacological means of patient management. 11Members who use sedation or general anaesthesia in practice must havesuccessfully completed a training program in the specific modality, and thedental facility must be suitably staffed. Clearly recorded patient medicalhistories, including information concerning illnesses, hospital admissions,current medications, allergies and an appropriate physical examinationmust be completed for each patient prior to the administration of any formof sedation or general anaesthesia. Dentists and staff must be prepared torecognize and treat adverse responses using appropriate equipment anddrugs as necessary.10RCDSO. Proposed Draft Quality Assurance Regulation to be made under the Dentistry Act, 1991S.O. 1991, c.24. www.rcdso.org/pdf/con_ed/Proposed-Draft-Quality-Assurance-Regulation-June2008.pdf. 2008.11RCDSO. Guidelines on the Use of Sedation and General Anaesthesia in Dental Practice.January 2005. www.rcdso.org/pdf/guidelines/Guidelines_sedation_01_05.pdf.HPRAC Critical Links January 2009