Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On her behalf, I would like to introduce Bill 8, An Ad. to Amend the Dental Mechanics Act.
Mr. Chairman, the Dental Mechanics Act covers denturists who provide dentures to the public. Currently, the act does not allow denturists to make or repair partial dentures. Until recently, denturists were not trained to do this work. Partial dentures are harder to fit than complete dentures because they must be attached to healthy teeth. Often, some work by dentists is needed to ensure the general health of the mouth.
The trend across Canada is to change dental mechanic education programs to include training in partial dentures. As training expands, some jurisdictions have changed their legislation to allow the provision of partial dentures by denturists. The proposed amendments will allow NWT denturists to provide partial dentures, if they have the necessary training.
There will be some limits placed on the provision of dentures by denturists. A written prescription will be required from a dentist before a partial denture can be provided. Denturists will not be pennitted to take and interpret X-rays, or diagnose oral health. These fall within the scope of work done by dentists. These conditions will help to ensure that a dentist will be involved when dental work is needed. They are in line with restrictions imposed in most of the other jurisdictions in Canada.
In closing, I would like to emphasize that the amendments will allow more services to be provided and more choice in who can provide them. At the same time, the changes will protect the public interest in having services provided by qualified health care givers. I would be pleased to answer any questions that you may have, Mr. Chainnan, or other Members. Thank you.