The dental emergency responder : Expanding the scope of dental practice

ABSTRACTBackgroundNatural disasters, the potential for terrorism and weapons-of-mass-destruction events occurring within the continental United States necessitate that all licensed health care providers understand the National Incident Management System and be able to contribute to inoculation, mass casualty assistance and triage care of the populace.ConclusionsHealth care and political leaders constantly revise “all hazard” response plans, using the available health care assets that local, state and federal agencies bring to emergency events. Illinois Public Act 49-409 modifies the scope of dental practice within Illinois to allow for a dental emergency responder (DER).Practice ImplicationsThe DER is a dentist or dental hygienist “acting within the bounds of his or her license when providing care during a declared local, state or national emergency.”