As part of the ongoing review of its practice standards, the Council has considered whether a new practice standard for advanced and new areas of practice is needed.
The Council considered the existing practice standards, statements and policies and scope of practice definitions related to this practice area (listed below), alongside the standards framework and other regulatory tools.
- policy on advanced and new areas of practice (May 2007)
- cosmetic dentistry practice standard (May 2009)
- cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) practice standard (May 2011)
- statement on the administration of Botulinum-A by dentists (amended July 2016).
The Council formed the view that the standards framework and scope of practice requirements sufficiently cover, at a principle level, the standards embodied in the above documents.
The Council initiated a targeted consultation with the key professional associations, educational institutions, the Ministry of Health, and the Health and Disability Commissioner. The Council considered all of the feedback, and had further discussions with those who requested clarification in some areas.
The Council concluded that:
- There is no longer a need to retain the four listed documents as the standards framework, related practice standards, and scopes of practice adequately describe practitioner obligations when practising in these areas.
- There is no need to develop a new practice standard for advanced areas of practice.
The four documents have been rescinded with immediate effect, and have been removed from the Council website.
More information on the Council decision and guidance on education and training and administration of Botulinum toxin type A and dermal fillers is available here.
Understand your obligations related to advanced and new areas of practice
- The ethical principles and professional standards of the standards framework apply to all areas of your practice—including advanced or new areas. Practise within your professional knowledge, skills and competence; and only carry out a task or type of treatment if you have the knowledge and skills to do so competently within your scope of practice.
- Recognise the relevance of particular practice standards when undertaking advanced or new areas of practice, in particular the informed consent, advertising and record keeping practice standards.
- Be aware of your obligations under the Health and Disability Commissioner’s Code of Rights, especially in relation to the patient’s right to be fully informed, their right to make an informed choice and give informed consent, and their right to services of an appropriate standard
