The Articulator

College of Denturists of British Columbia

Volume 5, Edition 1: May 2001

www.cd.bc.ca

Annual General Meeting

Sixth year of success

The Annual General Meeting of the College of Denturists convened at 2:00 pm on Saturday May 5, 2001, at the Coast Harbourside Hotel in Victoria. All Board members attended. Registrants reviewed the audited financial statements for the year ending March 31, 2001, and heard reports of committee activity throughout the year. If you wish to receive a copy of the financial statement please contact the College office.

The issue of advertising nonregistered names was discussed. The topic is explained, in detail, elsewhere in this newsletter. It may affect you and your practice. Please make a point of reading this article and reviewing your situation.

The Board of the College looks forward to another exciting year.

What is in a name ?

Complying with the requirements of the Act and Bylaws

As a result of complaints about registrants' advertising, the Board of the College considered the use of what is commonly referred to as "doing business as" names. The decision of the College Board is based on the Health Professions Act and the Bylaws of the College.

The legislation clearly sets out the classes of names that registrants are entitled to use, the circumstances around the use of those classes, and how registrants may obtain the right to use a Health Professions Corporation name. This article is written as an informational article that explains the requirements of the Act,relating to classes of names. The wording of the Act and bylaws takes precedence over what is written in this article. All registrants are encouraged to read the applicable sections of the Health Professions Act and the Bylaws, and to use these as references when reviewing their situation.

This discussion is framed by the definition of advertising. Advertising is the use of space or time in any media that the public may see. This includes, without limitation, all print media, including signs, stickers, and business cards; and electronic media such as radio, television, and the internet. To summarize, any information that publicizes your practice, excepting private communication to specific people, is considered advertising.

Meeting Dates

The Board will meet on the following dates

• September 14, 2001

• December 7, 2001

Meetings are open to registrants and the public.

Committees meet on an as needed basis. If you are interested in attending a committee meeting please contact the office for dates and times.

10 digit dialling begins May 21, 2001. Make sure you reprogram your fax and computer.

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Active registrants are entitled to use two classes of names in their advertising. The first class is your proper name.

• Regardless of the media, active registrants must use their full name in any and all advertising.

The second class is the name of a Health Professions Corporation. A Health Professions Corporation name may only be used when the corporation has a valid permit issued by the College.

Many registrants currently practice under a name other than those set out above. The "doing business as name" (DBA) name is not a corporation. Corporations are defined under the Company Act. Generally, the registrant operates as a proprietor or in a partnership. It is the (DBA) that is problematic. The use of your proper name along with the DBA name does not correct the problem. If this describes your situation you may be in violation of the Act and the Bylaws and the College needs you to review your advertising.

It is important that registrants understand that the limitations on the use of Health Professions Corporation names is established by the Health Professions Act. The College must uphold the Act and does not have the discretion to decide not to enforce the Act. However, the College also recognizes that this is not an issue that registrants will be able to address immediately.

The College asks registrants to review their situation as it relates to the use of classes of names in advertising. When a registrant recognizes that he/she is in violation, by using a name that is not their proper name or that of a Health Professions Corporation with a valid permit, we ask you to write to the Registration Committee and propose a plan to comply with the Act. Such

a plan should set out the time frame in which the registrant will:

• incorporate the DBA name,

• change the name of a corporation to the DBA name and apply to the College for a permit,

• or change advertising, such as signs, business cards, and telephone and internet directories, so that only your proper name is used.

The College office will send a questionnaire to all registrants asking if they comply with the Act, and, if not, whether they have sent in their plan. To ensure that all registrants have adequate time to consider their situation, the College requests that registrants' plans be sent to the office not later than July 15,2001.

Interested in being a committee member ?

Some committees have registrants who act as committee members. If you are interested in learning more about committee opportunities please contact the College office at 604-515-0533

The Register

Changes in status for 2001-2002

The following registrants did not renew their registration with the College. Their names have been removed from the register.

• Biddle, Mr. Kenneth (White Rock)

• Hodson, Mr. Wesley (White Rock)

The Board of the College wishes these former registrants the best in their future endeavours.

The following registrants have changed classes from an Active class to Inactive.

• Mastalyr, Mr. Rudy (Hope)

• Nixon, Mr. Stanley (Courtney)

• Yu, Mr. Zeng Kai (Vancouver)

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Advanced Scope of Practice.

Active Class Full

In August 2000, the Registration Committee began to review the results of the examination to qualify registrants in the class Active Limited B to move to Active Full. The Committee reports that the exam has performed well. Most registrant have successfully completed the theory portion of the exam on their first attempt, albeit one registrant passed on the third attempt.

The practical component of the exam has proven more difficult, with the examination being returned to candidates because they fail to provide all of the information required. Approximately 70% of submitted examinations have been returned to candidates for this reason.

If you are completing the examination, the Registration Committee urges you pay particular attention to Schedule D of the Bylaws. Read the examination instructions and ensure that you provide all of the required components. Proofread your answers to ensure that all of the information that you meant to include is in the exam. Read your examination for continuity and completeness. The time required for your examination to be scored depends on the quality and completeness of the information you provide.

As of May 1, 2001, 113 licenses in the class Active Full have been issued. A further 35 registrants are in the process of completing the exam or have submitted the exam for scoring.

The College Board congratulates all registrants who have successfully completed the examination. All registrants are encouraged to challenge the exam.

Planning for the future.

Board completes planning session

The Board of the College recently completed a new plan of action for the College. The planning sessions, carried out over the last year, have coincided with normally scheduled Board meetings. The stated objective of the exercise was to establish a plan that will manage the Board's activities and manage change. The process has clarified, for the members of the Board and College staff, the mandate, mission, and goals and objectives of the College.

The plan resulted from the members of the Board and executive office discussing the mission of the College, identifying who we serve, and making a list of goals. The goals with the highest priority are as follows:

• Improve communication between the Board and Registrants.

• Develop standards of practice.

• Ensure the relevance and utility of the Bylaws.

Action plans are being developed and tasks assigned to Board and committee members, and panels. The goals and actions will guide the work of the Board in the next few years.

Examiners required

Registrants in the class Active Full are required as examiners for the Practical Clinical and Objectively Structured Clinical Exams. The commitment for the Practical Clinical exam is three days, the OSCE is 1/2 day. Continuing education credits are granted.

Dates are July 4,5,6 with the OSCE on July 6, 2001.

If you are interested, please write to the Registration Committee so that your application may be considered.

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The "P's" & "Q's" of patients' records.

What you say and how you say it does matter.

Denturists see the gamut of patients. Most practitioners learned, during their initial education, that patients can and should be categorized. Boucher's Prosthodontic treatment for edentulous patients, eighth edition, lists patients' attitudes as: critical, indifferent, philosophic, and skeptical. This categorization is not in the eleventh edition. However, the eleventh edition, under the heading Compromising factors says " All patients will be psychologically prepared for treatment. The problem for the dentist (sic) is to determine if that preparation is positive or negative." The text continues, "There are people who have real psychological problems that require professional help. Some of these problems can find focus in dental treatment. The dentist should not assume the role of psychologist or psychiatrist."

When the Inquiry Committee investigates a complaint or acts under its own motion, a copy of the patient's record is requested. The registrant also completes a questionnaire about the treatment of the patient. This article addresses registrant's written comments in both of these documents.

To ensure that all parties to a complaint understand the issues, and to confirm facts, the parties receive copies of each other's correspondence. This includes copies of the patient's record and questionnaire. The Committee has noticed, as have patients who have received copies of their patient record, that some registrants are "assuming the role of psychologist or psychiatrist".

To give an examples:

".. seems a kind of paranoid type",

".. is emotionally disturbed and unstable",

".. seems to be a hard luck Charlie".

Notations, such as these, in a patient's record or in a questionnaire are inappropriate. Further, they are counter-productive to settling complaints.

It is appropriate for a registrant to ask a patient questions about their health, including mental health. Responses should be noted in proper clinical terms or in the language that the patient uses.

Descriptive phrases are, in effect, diagnosis that exceed the scope of practice as defined by the Denturist Regulation. If you must categorize a patient, use generally accepted terms like those in dental textbooks or other reference books. Most importantly, take the time to consider and appreciate what your notes and comments really say before you write them down.

Each patient's record must include:

• Patient's name and address,

• Case history, findings obtained, treatment provided, and instructions given,

• Regular progress reports,

• A record for each date that the patient was seen,

• Records for each financial transaction,

• A copy of the prescription when providing prescribed services, and

• Other information required by law or another governmental agency.

Prepayment option available.

Registrants may prepay annual administration fees. You may prepay a portion or the entire amount. If you wish to take advantage of this option just send a cheque. Please indicate that it is for the 2002-2003 license year.

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Summary Balance Sheet

2001

Summary Statement of Operations

2001

Capital Assets

Discipline Surcharge

Assets

Cash

Term

Interest

Prepaid Exp

Capital Assets

Discipline Surcharge

Revenue

Registration Fees

Exam Fees

Discipline income

Interest

Other

General

General

-

-

-

-

-

159,683

77,073

2,100

4,543

7,804

34,469

100,000

3,701

2,905

-

-

-

-

9,525

110,081

3,091

-

-

6,742

-

Capital Assets

Total

17,500

141,077

17,500

122,697

251,203

Liabilities

Expenses

Amortization

Audit and legal

Board expenses

Committee expenses

Discipline/investigation costs

Exam costs

Office & misc

Professional Development

Rent

Salaries

Communications

Utilities

Total

Excess Revenue

Fund Bal P/Y

Transfers

Year End

Balance

5,355

16,173

3,531

-

19,381

15,845

1,113

12,780

87,712

4,065

1,626

167,581

83,622

19,136

(16,454)

86,304

3,656

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

3,656

(3,656)

4,702

16,454

17,500

Accounts Payables

Deferred Revenue

Discipline Surcharge

Capital assets

Internally restricted

Unrestricted

6,423

48,350

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

6,742

8,415

-

15,157

-

-

-

-

107,540

-

17,500

-

-

-

15,157

-

-

86,304

Total

141,077

17,500

122,697

VCC Employment Opportunity

The Denturist department is seeking a part-time, term instructor for fall 2001.

Please apply, in writing, prior by May 30, 2001 to:

Acting Dean of Health Sciences Programs

Vancouver Community College

250 West Pender Street

Vancouver, BC

V6B 1S9

Fax: (604) 443-8588

First year completed.

The Denturist Program at VCC is completing its first year. Eight students are in the program. Consider providing a summer employment opportunity. For more information call (604) 443-8501.

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Board Members Listing

Connolly, Mr. Jim (Denturist)

Eggert, Dr. Wally (Public member)

Hengel, Mr. Doug (Denturist) Chair

Jones, Ms. Andrea (Public member) Vice Chair

MacPherson, Ms. Fern(Denturist)

Nicholls, Ms. Alison (Denturist)

Stewart, Gary (Denturist)

Trask, Mr. Warren (Denturist)

Varshney, Mr. Hari (Public member)

Discipline Committee

W. Eggert (Chair)

G. Stewart

R. Postings

Executive Committee

D. Hengel (Chair)

A. Jones

G. Stewart

Patient Relations Committee

A. Jones ( Chair)

F. MacPherson

J. Connolly

Inquiry Committee

W. Trask (Chair)

A. Jones

Registrant to be named

Quality Assurance Committee

A. Nicholls (Chair)

F. MacPherson

W. Eggert

Registration Committee

G. Stewart (Chair)

H. Varshney

J. Connolly

The Articulator is the newsletter of the College of Denturists of British Columbia. It is meant to provide information to registrants, members of the public, and other organizations. In the event of a disagreement between information in this newsletter and the Health Professions Act, Denturist Regulation, Bylaws, or policies of the College, the wording of the Act, Regulation, Bylaws and policies take precedence. Letters and articles are welcome. The Board reserves the right to edit submissions for length or to refuse to publish any letter or article. Copyright May 2001.

Write to

The Articulator

c/o John Mayr, Registrar

College of Denturists of British Columbia

#305 321 Sixth Street

New Westminster B.C.

V3L 3A7

Visit www.cd.bc.ca for information about contacting us by E mail

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