B.06.02 Meeting the Prisoners Dental Needs (National Procedure)

Procedure Standard

• The dental needs of each prisoner are assessed and the prisoner, if in agreement, receives approved dental treatment and the treatments are recorded.

Necessary Forms and Requirements

Forms:

• F1 Dental Record
• F2 Dental First Aid Authority
• F3 Consent to Receive Specific Health or Dental Services 

Requirement:

•  R1 Minimum Dental Services

Procedure

1. The Initial Health Assessment identifies the need for dental care.
2. Acute dental first aid requirements are met immediately.
3. The decision to refer or not to refer to the dentist is recorded on the Initial Health Assessment Form.
4. If a referral is required an appointment is made with the dentist.
5. The dentist confirms that the prisoner has signed the Consent to Receive General Health and Dental Services Form.
6. The dentist assesses the level of dental needs according to the minimal dental requirements.
7. The prisoner's dental needs and what can be done are discussed with the prisoner and the prisoner's verbal agreement obtained.
8. If any anterior or pre-molar teeth or two or more molars are to be extracted the prisoner signs the Consent to Receive General Health and Dental Services Form.
9. The prisoner signs the Refusal of Health or Dental Services Form if treatment is refused.
10. Treatment or refusal of treatment is recorded in the Dental Record Form.
11. Procedures for recovery from a prisoner of costs not covered as minimum dental services are actioned.
12. Where dental services are provided outside the prison by the contracted prison dentist the Dental Record and a copy of the completed Consent to Receive General Health and Dental Services / Treatment and/or Consent to Receive General Health and Dental Services Treatment forms accompany the prisoner and are returned to the prison health centre.
13. Where dental services are provided by a non-prison agency a letter of referral accompanies the prisoner in lieu of the dental record.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Unit Manager

• Arrange access to dentist or prison nurse.
• Arrange escort and transport to outside services

Medical Officer/Health Staff

• Assess dental needs.
• Initiate appropriate intervention.

Dentist

• Assess dental needs and undertake treatment within approved minimum dental services requirements.
• Document treatment.
• Obtain prisoner's consent for specific treatment.
• Provide letter of referral to a non-prison agency.

Prisoner

• Accept, or decline treatment and sign the appropriate form accepting or declining dental treatment.
• Pay for treatment not covered by minimum dental service requirements

Sources of Further Information

• New Zealand Dental Association Professional Code of Ethics Practice
• New Zealand Dental Association Standards for Control of Cross Infection.