OAR 331-420-0000: Practice Standards

Licensed denturists must adhere to the following practice standards: (1) Oral Health Certificate. Denturists must either have an oral pathology endorsement on their license, or if they have not qualified for and received the endorsement, must comply with requirements for obtaining an Oral Health Certificate as described in ORS 680.545 and OAR 331-410-0080. (2) Patient Record. A licensed denturist must record, update and maintain documentation for each patient relevant to health history, clinical examinations and treatment, and financial data. Documentation must be written or computerized. Records must include but are not limited to the following: (a) Patient data, including name, address, date and description of examination; (b) Evidence of informed consent (may be in the form of an acronym such as "PARQ" to denote procedure, alternatives, risks and questions); (c) Date and description of treatment or services rendered, and any treatment complications; (d) Health history as applicable; and (e) Any other information deemed appropriate to patient care. (3) Clinical Examination. Licensed denturists must conduct and record a clinical examination of each patient that will include at a minimum, information relative to: (a) Appearance of gingiva, oral mucosal membranes, pharynx, tongue and all other oral soft tissue; and (b) Oral conditions that may affect successful denture construction and use. (4) Record Retention. Patient documentation, written or archived electronically by computer, must be retained for a minimum of seven years and available upon request by the Office. (5) Minimum Standards of Acceptable Patient Care. Licensees must adhere to the following practice standards in rendering acceptable patient care: (a) Maintain accurate patient records; (b) Seek consultation/referral if indicated; (c) Make accurate representation to the patient on services provided; (d) Provide or arrange for continuity of care or emergency treatment for a patient currently receiving treatment; (e) Adhere to current denture technology practices and standards including use of materials; (f) Adhere to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention infection control standards and practices; (g) Wash hands using a germicidal or antiseptic soap and water before and after every patient; (h) Wear disposable gloves when coming in direct contact with a patient or when handling instruments or equipment contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials. (i) Use new gloves before performing procedures on each patient. (6) A denturist providing teeth whitening trays to patients must provide the patient with written and verbal information related to teeth whitening trays and teeth whitening solutions including the procedure, alternatives, risks and questions that is prescribed by the Office. The denturist must obtain patient consent for the procedure described in this rule and retain in patient record. The Office prescribed information and informed consent for teeth whitening trays and solutions can be accessed on the Office website at http://www.oregon.gov/OHA/PH/HLO/Pages/Board-Denture-Technology.aspx . (7) A denturist is prohibited from providing patients prescription strength teeth whitening solutions.