Prescription of Dental Radiographs

[ROSS MACDONALD]

Adelaide/OZ....in South Aust. dental hygienists perform intraoral
radiography by prescription from the dentist they are employed by. I
suspect they do extraoral as well, although illegally.  There are school
dental therapists (treat up to age 21 years!!!!)...whom by law may do
periapical radiography in an emergency...to be validated later by the
regional dentist. There are regulations also allowing them to "prescribe"
bitewing films if not performed for a period of 2 years. These are supposed
to be interpreted by the regional "visiting" dentist but we know
otherwise.....not a reliable procedure and many of these individuals think
they "know it all"!!!!.There are strong political moves here to allow a
virtual takeover by "Prosthetists" as well as Hygienists and
Therapists......"just give them onother year of training "is the cry...it
is a continual fight and ongoing battle stations here by dentists.  The
trouble is that politically motivated individuals and "reformers" say they
are copying what is going on overseas and especially in  North
America/Canada. What hope is there!!!!.
Yesterday the temperature ended up 43 celsius...this morning it was already
38 celsius at the start of work...so you guys up North are probably in for
a cold wet and icy winter!!!.  Cheers from OZ...ROSS.