Specialist Question

[Flappy McSuture]

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So, some of my dental school classmates and I got into a discussion about whether or not dental specialists can practice "general dentistry" in a specialization office. I.e. In an "Oral Surgery office" with Oral surgery liability insurance, declaring to be an OMS office, etc, Can the oral surgeons do root canals, crowns, etc.

My understanding was that a Specialist in a speciality office claiming to be a specialist could not practice general dentistry, but could practice general dentistry if he/she in his/her office claimed to be a General Dentist practicing General Dentistry.

Not saying I am correct, but couldn't find any definitive info on the net and was wondering if anyone knew or had any credible info either way?

 

[BFord23]

I was wondering the same thing, like if a pedodontist could treat their parents if they wanted to.
This is probably a state by state thing but according to one of my instructors, in PA if you advertise yourself as a specialist you must practice within that specialty only.
Also, if you are "board certified" you agree to limit your practice to that specialty.

 

[Istr8nthem]

I was wondering the same thing, like if a pedodontist could treat their parents if they wanted to.
This is probably a state by state thing but according to one of my instructors, in PA if you advertise yourself as a specialist you must practice within that specialty only.
Also, if you are "board certified" you agree to limit your practice to that specialty.

As a trained specialist, you cannot practice outside of your specialty if you advertise yourself as a specialist. You are free to do anything within the scope of a general dentist if you advertise yourself as a general dentist.

 

[aphistis]

As a trained specialist, you cannot practice outside of your specialty if you advertise yourself as a specialist. You are free to do anything within the scope of a general dentist if you advertise yourself as a general dentist.

Plus, as a practical matter, if your referral base of general dentists gets wind of the fact that you're poaching their work from them, you can count on watching your referrals evaporate.

 

[xhamburgersamx]

It sounds limiting but I would guess that a specialist would earn more money and find more satisfaction practicing their expertly trained field rather than waste time/utility doing general dentistry.

 

[Flappy McSuture]

I appreciate the replies and most of you are only confirming my SUSPICIONS, but can anyone post a link or a source so I can get some hard proof on the LEGALITY, not the practicality of this possibility?

 

[Dr. Dai Phan]

I appreciate the replies and most of you are only confirming my SUSPICIONS, but can anyone post a link or a source so I can get some hard proof on the LEGALITY, not the practicality of this possibility?

You can download the rules and regulations of dentistry practice in the state you are interested in and you will find all the answers you need. DP

 

[ZeroCool]

Can a prosthodontist market themselves as a general dentist? In the respect that they treat all patients like a general dentists but happen to have completed a prosth residency?