The mobile dentistry for seniors movement is continuing to gain grip as one of the most innovative and upcoming trends within the dentistry industry. It has never been easier for dentists and dental hygienists to deliver mobile dental services to patients – whether as a full-time career or one day a month. For dentists around the country, investing in mobile dentistry is a great way to expand patient reach, connect with the local community, find fulfillment within their career and increase profit. While a lot of dentists who have considered a career in mobile dentistry are sometimes unsure how and where to begin, the good news is that it has never been easier for dentists to deliver mobile dental services to patients.
Myth: it is not possible to provide mobile dental services in my state
Dentists from across the country want to share their passions and stories every single week. Most of them emphasize a desire to get more patients for their practice and do more for their patients. Frequently, these dentists comment on how they do not think it is possible for them to offer mobile dental services in their state. However, this should not be a worry anymore because, over the last decade in the dental practice industry, there have been huge strides in the mobile dentistry area. This has been made possible by innovative technology and expanding regulations in the dental field. These improvements have made it possible for mobile dentists for seniors to offer services in all states.
Direct access versus mobile dentistry
It is important to note that a lot of dentists believe the main way to provide mobile dental services is through direct access to oral hygiene services. A lot of people use the terms direct access and mobile dentistry interchangeably. Mobile dentistry and direct access are closely related and may complement each other but it is important to remember that they aren’t identical and are regulated separately. It is possible for a dental hygienist to offer mobile dentistry services within a state that doesn’t allow direct access. The dental hygienist would provide care under the supervision of a trained dentist within a mobile company.
Various models of supervision
When it comes to exploring how it is possible for dental hygienists to provide mobile dental services, the first place to start is by studying the dental practice of a particular state. It is important to pay attention to written references that are related to supervision requirements, mobile regulations and telemedicine. It is important to determine whether a dental hygienist should collaborate with a supervising dentist and if yes, what type of collaboration is required? In some places, dental hygienists can provide preventive services without any on-site supervision from a qualified dentist. In other states, a dental hygienist may offer the full scope of dental services.
Mobile dentistry for seniors may be provided by a dental hygienist under three main types of supervision models: in collaboration with a qualified off-site dentist, no supervision, and in collaboration with a qualified off-site dentist.