Providing custom made dental appliances such as Gum Shields directly to the public via a dental laboratory is it allowed?
Gum shields direct to the public using a home impression kit are not areas listed areas that are within the scope of practice for dental technicians. Providing a home impression kit to circumvent the role of others i.e. Dentists, or diagnosing a need for a sports gum shield and providing directly to a patient for money could quite easily be interpreted by the GDC as working outside the role designated as that of a Dental Technician. In providing home impression kits you would also likely not be covered by your general personal dental technician indemnity insurance cover or business insurance, and thus any claim against you would likely be totally borne by you. The fact that discussions regarding gum shields not being dental devices is not a means by way of individuals carrying out a dentist’s role. We would suggest that you consider carefully the GDC’s ‘Scope of Practice’ booklet and specifically note that the provision of Sports Mouth Guards are an extended role designated for CDT’s.
