Denturists are graduates of formal education programs that pass both written and practical examinations to determine their competency to obtain licensure in the state they wish to practice. This process in no different than the process that a dentist goes through in order to practice on you! Institutions that offer Denturist programs in the United States are required to go through a rigorous process overseen by the National Denturist Association that determines whether the International Baseline competencies are being covered.
Here is a partial list of the competencies that are required (A full list can be found here):
• be competent at obtaining a detailed history of the patient’s dental state
• be competent at obtaining a relevant medical history
• be competent at using laboratory and imaging facilities appropriately and efficiently
• be competent at clinical examination and following a treatment plan
• be competent at arranging appropriate referrals
• be competent at maintaining aseptic techniques throughout procedures related to the provision of removable dental appliances
• be competent at obtaining informed consent
• be competent at performing technical and clinical procedures related to the provision of removable dental appliances
• have knowledge of the management of patients from different social and ethnic backgrounds
• have knowledge of dental problems that may manifest themselves in older patients with removable dental appliances and of the principles involved in managing such problems
• have knowledge of working as part of the dental team
• have knowledge of the procedures carried out by other dental team members in relation to removable dental appliances
• be familiar with the complex interactions between oral health, nutrition, general health, drugs and diseases that can have an impact on the provision of removable dental appliances
These high standards make the program challenging and enriching for the professionals who choose to pursue a career as a Denturist.
Extensive clinical experience is required. a minimum of 1,000 hours of practical education are required in denture technology under the general supervision of a Denturist or in clinical and lab training in an approved work experience program. A minimum of 400 hours must be devoted to clinical procedures. During this rigorous training a student will construct at least 40 units of upper or lower dentures, with a set counting as two units. Most dental school that educate General Dentists have far fewer requirements in removable prosthetics, if they teach them any practical education at all. To practice their skills students create a variety of oral prosthetics, including full, immediate, removable partial, removable implant and over-dentures. Denturist candidates work closely with one denturist or dentist to guide them as they build their skills.
Join us today to ensure that all Michigan patients are treated by Denturists that have completed CERTIFIED DENTURIST EDUCATION PROGRAMS!