19: Work Authorizations for Removable Partial Dentures

CHAPTER 19 Work Authorizations for Removable Partial Dentures

Chapter Outline

Work Authorization

Content
Function
Characteristics
Definitive Instructions by Work Authorizations
Legal Aspects of Work Authorizations
Delineation of Responsibilities by Work Authorizations

Work Authorization

A work authorization contains the written directions for laboratory procedures to be performed for fabrication of dental restorations. The responsibility of a dentist to the public and to the dental profession to safeguard the quality of prosthodontic services is controlled in part through meaningful work authorizations. If work authorizations are properly completed, they provide a means for increased professional quality assurance and satisfaction in a removable partial denture service.

A work authorization completed by a dentist is similar to granting power of attorney. It grants authority for others to act on the dentist’s behalf and specifically prescribes what is authorized.

When properly executed, work authorizations are effective channels of communication. They enhance the quality of the completed restorations by providing instructions for individually and scientifically considered prostheses.

Content

Information contained in a work authorization should include the following: (1) the name and address of the dental laboratory; (2) the name and address of the dentist who initiates the work authorization; (3) the identification of the patient; (4) the date of work authorization; (5) the desired completion date of the request; (6) specific instructions; (7) the signature of the dentist; and (8) the registered license number of the dentist. All these requirements can be accommodated in a simply designed form (Figure 19-1).

image

Figure 19-1 Work authorization form, designed specifically for removable partial dentures, to furnish detailed information to the laboratory technician. Form used to specifically plan framework design and to designate mouth alterations and preparations.

Function

The following four important functions are performed by a work authorization:

1. It furnishes definite instructions for laboratory procedures to be accomplished and implies an expectation of a level of acceptable quality for the services rendered.
2. It provides a means of protecting the public from the illegal practice of dentistry.
3. It is a protective legal document for both the dentist and the dental laboratory technician.
4. It completely delineates the responsibilities of the dentist and the dental laboratory technician.

Characteristics

A work authorization must be legible, clear, concise, and readily understood. It is unreasonable to assume that laboratory technicians are decoding experts. Sufficient information must be included in a work authorization to enable the technician to understand and execute the request. Many dentists are overly presumptive in assuming that a request can be acceptably fulfilled without proper directions.

It is sound practice to provide the dental laboratory technician with adequate written instructions for each laboratory service required in the fabrication of a restoration. Therefore a new work authorization should accompany the material returned to the laboratory for continuing progress to complete the restoration. In a modern dental practice, it is highly improbable that a one-trip laboratory service will be adequate to provide a truly profession/>

Related posts:

  1. 2: Considerations for Managing Partial Tooth Loss: Tooth Replacements From the Patient Perspective
  2. 15: Impression Materials and Procedures for Removable Partial Dentures
  3. 9: Denture Base Considerations
  4. 22: Repairs and Additions to Removable Partial Dentures
  5. 11: Surveying
  6. Biomechanics of Removable Partial Dentures

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Jan 17, 2015 | Posted by in Prosthodontics | Comments Off on 19: Work Authorizations for Removable Partial Dentures

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