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Potential utilization of expanded function dental auxiliaries to place restoratives
Brian G Darling1, Michael J Kanellis2, Susan C McKernan3,4
1College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
Journal of Public Health Dentistry
|March 11, 2015
Summary
Many dentists are willing to delegate restorative dental procedures to expanded function dental auxiliaries (EFDAs). This could increase dental workforce capacity and improve access to care for more Americans.
Area of Science:
- Dental Public Health
- Healthcare Workforce Development
Background:
- The Affordable Care Act aims to expand dental coverage.
- Expanded Function Dental Auxiliaries (EFDAs) can enhance dental workforce capacity.
- Iowa currently permits EFDAs in non-restorative roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess dentists' willingness to delegate restorative procedures to EFDAs.
- To inform discussions on expanding the scope of practice for EFDAs.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 677 Iowa dentists in 2013.
- Univariate and bivariate analyses (chi-squared, t-tests) were performed.
- Examined characteristics of dentists willing to delegate restorative functions.
Main Results:
- 37% of dentists would delegate at least one proposed restorative function.
- Pediatric dentists showed higher willingness to delegate (P=0.042).
- Acceptability varied: stainless steel crowns (31.9%), amalgam (22.3%), composites (18.6%).
Conclusions:
- A significant portion of dentists are willing to delegate reversible restorative tasks.
- Expanding EFDA scope of practice can boost dental workforce capacity.
- This expansion offers a strategy to meet increased demand, especially for Medicaid populations.
