The Dental Access Model Act, as introduced by the American Dental Association has sparked controversy across our industry. I sat down with Alyssa Aberle, seasoned dental hygienist and advocate to unpack the proposed Oral Preventive Assistant (OPA) portion of this initiative. Together we unpack what this is, what it means for the future of our profession, and what we can do to advocate for ourselves and our patients.
Key Takeaways:
The OPA initiative aims to create a mid-level dental professional (trained dental assistants) to fill the gaps.
Although well-intended, this act has its own concerns and criticisms.
This act won’t necessarily solve access-to-care problems.
Understanding the OPA Initiative
Essentially, the OPA concept aims to create a mid-level dental professional, the current idea is to train dental assistants, who would be capable of performing certain preventive procedures, such as scaling teeth and probing. The ADA's model legislation proposes this new role as a potential solution to address access-to-care challenges. However, the details of the OPA's scope of practice, training requirements, and supervision guidelines are largely left to individual states to determine. This vagueness has become a point of concern for many.
Concerns and Criticisms
The OPA initiative has drawn criticism from dental hygienists and others who worry about the potential implications for patient care and professional standards. Some of the key concerns include:
Scope of Practice: The vague language surrounding the OPA's permissible procedures raises concerns about potential scope creep, where OPAs might eventually perform more complex procedures without adequate training.
Quality of Care: Concerns exist about the level of training and experience required for OPAs, particularly in procedures like probing, which requires precise technique and interpretation to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Patient Perception: The creation of another mid-level dental provider could further confuse patients about the roles and qualifications of different dental professionals.
Impact on Hygienists: Some fear that the OPA role could lead to hygienists being relegated to only performing complex periodontal therapy, potentially leading to burnout and job dissatisfaction.
"Cheap Labor" Concerns: Some perceive the OPA initiative as a way for dentists to access cheaper labor, potentially compromising the quality of care.
Potential Benefits and the Access-to-Care Challenge
Proponents of the OPA model argue that it could improve access to care, particularly in underserved areas. The rationale is that by delegating simpler preventive tasks to OPAs, dentists and hygienists could focus on more complex cases, increasing overall patient throughput. However, critics argue that this approach may not address the root causes of access-to-care issues, which often involve factors like insurance reimbursement rates, practice sustainability, and geographic distribution of dental professionals.
The Path Forward
The OPA initiative represents a significant development in the dental field. It remains to be seen how individual states will respond to the ADA's model legislation. It is crucial for dental professionals, policymakers, and the public to engage in thoughtful discussions about the potential benefits and risks of the OPA model to ensure that any changes to the dental workforce ultimately serve the best interests of patients. Finding effective and equitable solutions to the access-to-care challenge requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the systemic issues facing the dental profession.
I encourage you to listen to the full episode to get a better understanding of the current state of our industry and where our future is headed.
Connect with Alyssa:
Links mentioned in this episode:
Straight Up With Steph Ep 22: How Internationally-Trained Dentists Could Impact U.S. Hygienists
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.
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