Expanding the scope of practice of dental medicine for tomorrow's dental graduate: A unique role for our combined specialties

摘要

There has been increased discussion lately among members of the dental profession on expanding the scope of dental practice beyond the traditional confines of the oral and maxillofacial structures. We're all familiar with the arguments in support of such an expanded role for dentists in the health care system: As dentists, we are first and foremost health care professionals, and therefore we shouldn't focus exclusively on the oral cavity; oral diseases can have a significant effect on our patients' overall health and well-being; with the opposite is also true-namely, that a patient's health status can have a direct bearing on his or her overall dental status, response to dental therapy, and ability to undergo needed treatment. I couldn't agree more with these supporting statements.