At the end of 2014, the Council consulted with stakeholders on the proposed oral health therapy scope of practice.
A total of 86 submissions were received. A committee was established to consider the submissions in detail. The committee presented its recommendations to the Council in February 2016.
In summary:
- The Council agreed there is a need for an oral health therapy scope of practice.
- The proposed oral health therapy scope of practice was reconsidered, as it was not aligned with the education provided. The education currently delivered by the New Zealand oral health programmes must underpin the proposed oral health therapy scope of practice. Amendments to the proposed competencies for an oral health therapist were made to take into consideration the specific concerns raised and to reflect the changes made to the proposed scope of practice.
- The value and need of a signed working agreement was also discussed in detail.
- A registration transition approach is proposed, but on a principle level, oral health graduates who transition into the oral health therapy scope of practice can continue to perform the same activities as they currently can, based on their specific registration and practising status.
The Council is at present consulting on a revised oral health therapy scope of practice, updated draft competency standards for oral health therapists, and related topics.
Submissions close on 27 May 2016. Have your say on this important issue by submitting your views on the proposals.
