New rules: Dentists must hire nurse or halt practice

ABU DHABI - Working without a technician or a nurse will bar dentists in the private sector from renewing licence, under a new policy set by the Ministry of Health (MoH).

By Nada S.mussallam (Our staff reporter)

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Published: Thu 13 Mar 2008, 8:28 AM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 6:43 PM

“Dentists in the private sector ought to have a technician or a nurse to run their facilities. Absence of a technical cadre will subject them to halt practising the profession in the country,” said Dr Ibrahim Ali Al Qadi, Director of the Private Medical Practice Department at the MoH.

Earlier, it was not mandatory for private dentistry clinics to have technical assistants or nurses.

Dr Qadi said dentists were given a deadline to comply with the rule or face the consequences.

“April 30 has been fixed as the deadline for dentists in the private sector to abide by the rule. Failure to live up to the set date will subject dentists to non-renewal of licence,” Dr Al Qadi told Khaleej Times yesterday.

Regarding dentists who are applying for licence at the MoH, the official clarified that they applicants will not be given a licence unless they comply with the rule.

“Applicants who wish to be licensed to practice dentistry in the country must prove to the MoH that they will have licensed technicians or nurses as assistants,” said the official. He clarified that the objective of the new rule was to make sure patients who seek dental treatment at the private sector get quality care.


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