Implantology: does it merit specialty status?

Article Abstract:

The ADA (American Dental Association) has resisted recognizing implantology (the branch of dental medicine concerned with tooth implantation) as a specialty on both occasions when the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) has sought such recognition. The ADA House of Delegates requires that six criteria, established by the Council on Dental Education (CDE), be met before an area can be called a specialty: (1) the area must be represented by a sponsoring organization; (2) it must be a distinct and well-defined field, with unique knowledge and skills; (3) its scope should not fall within that of other, recognized specialties; (4) substantial public need and demand for these unique services must be shown; (5) it must incorporate some aspect of clinical practice; and (6) formal educational programs of at least two years beyond the predoctoral curriculum must exist. The application has foundered in both 1985 and 1987 on points three, four, and six. Supporters of implantology as a specialty want well-structured education programs to teach dentists the new techniques, but this emphasis has raised questions regarding the role of supplementary formal education in a profession that consistently relies on new techniques. Oral surgeons, periodontists, and prosthodontists are capable of performing implants, so the requirement of restricted scope has not been satisfied. Dr. Richard A. Guaccio, a dentist, former president of AAID, and president of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry (ABOI/ID, which sponsors the AAID) points out that establishing a new specialty is not the same as establishing a monopoly; other practitioners could still perform implants. He argues that specialty status would prevent over-commercialization of the new field, since formal channels for approving new products and techniques would thereby be created. The AAID and ABOI/ID will continue to attempt to reach specialty status. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Supply and demand, Education, Curricula, Associations, Dentists, Implant dentures, Dental implants, Dentistry, Dental schools

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State leaders share their thoughts on government relations

Article Abstract:

Approaches that lobbyists from the dental industry use to influence state and national legislation continue to change. Six state dental association representatives responded to questions regarding these changes in lobbying approaches. Efforts by networks of local dentists have been effective in influencing state law. It appears, however, that these networks seem to organize in response to specific issues and may change members as the issue changes. Lawmakers have been proposing many more and a greater variety of bills that affect dentistry than proposed previously. There has also been a higher turnover in many state legislatures with the introduction of term limitations. These increases have required lobbyists to increase and concentrate their efforts proportionately. Improvements in communication and coordination of efforts between other health care fields and between dental agencies nationwide will strengthen the voices heard by lawmakers.

Cover Story, Political aspects, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Lobbyists, Dental policy

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