Students Performing Restricted Activities

The Denturists Profession Regulation outlines the restricted activities which registered denturists are authorized to perform. These include the authority to:

• prescribe or fit a removable or fixed, complete or partial denture (for two or more teeth) supported by implants or not
• perform an invasive procedure on body tissue below the mucous membrane or in or below the surface of teeth if the procedure does not alter natural dentition
• insert and remove instruments, devices and fingers into an artificial opening of the mouth
• reduce a dislocation of a temporomandibular joint for the purposes of reducing a subluxation of the temporomandibular joint
• order any form of ionizing radiation in medical radiography

Council has recently released a position statement that speaks to the performance of restricted activities by students.  A student is an individual enrolled in an approved denturist technology program and actively participating in a practicum or clinical course within the duration of that approved program’s practicum or clinical course. Students who are not actively participating in a practicum or clinical course, within the educational program, may not perform restricted activities in the context of denturism practice.

Students, may however, perform many aspects of denturism practice which are not considered restricted activities such as any appropriate communication with patients and laboratory work.

This is applicable to students:

• who are not actively in a practicum or clinical course, and
• who are between program semesters.

While students are actively participating in practicum or clinical courses they are covered under the errors and omissions (professional liability) insurance policy of the educational institute that they are currently attending.  Outside the confines of the program (i.e., between semesters), students are not covered under these policies.  Additionally, should a student be performing restricted activities within the practice environment of a regulated member outside the practicum, they may not be covered under the errors and omissions policy of that regulated member.  Further, should an issue arise within the clinic of that regulated member as a result of the actions of the student, it is perceivable that the regulated member’s insurance policy may be nullified.

Should anyone have any questions about this position, please do not hesitate to refer to the position statement or reach out to the College at info@abdenturists.ca.