Summary of: An audit of dental prescriptions between clinics and dental laboratories

Key Points

• Emphasises the ethical and legal requirements that dentists must provide when writing instructions to a technician.

• Highlights that a high proportion of prescriptions received by technicians are non-compliant.

• Recommends that further undergraduate training in laboratory prescription writing is needed.

• Suggests the whole dental team needs to be educated regarding communication.

Abstract

Aim To discover the quality of written instructions from dentists to dental technicians and the nature of non-compliant prescriptions. Method An audit of laboratory prescription compliance was conducted within an NHS Trust Dental Teaching Hospital to determine the level of communication between dentists and dental technicians. One hundred and fifty prescriptions were audited from dental undergraduates and qualified dentists throughout the different departments. Results A total of two-thirds of prescriptions were considered non-compliant and failed to meet relevant ethical and legal guidelines. This problem was seen throughout all departments and at all professional levels. Conclusion A breakdown in communication between dentists and technicians through the use of prescriptions is evident even within a close working environment.

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