Ensure Safe Practice While Volunteering

By Douglas L. Risk, DDS, Col, USAF, DC

Oral health professionals are volunteering in increasing numbers as a way to give back to the community. In giving back, these clinicians are helping improve access to dental care for underserved populations and those who cannot afford routine care due to economic circumstances.¹ This article will address some of the challenges of practicing outside of traditional settings while still adhering to the standard of care expected in the United States and as allowed by state licensure. Nontraditional settings include austere environments, such as a pavilion in Central America or a large-scale free dental clinic in an urban setting. Although the focus is on austere conditions, these principles apply to all settings because infection prevention is a key goal in all types of practice.

* References can be found in the original article via the link below.
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