The Moroccan National Dental Medical Order has raised concerns over the proliferation of training programs offered under titles such as "Hygienist" and "Denturologist". The order has called for clarification on the legal status of these programs, the diplomas they offer, and the procedures their holders are authorized to perform. This warning aims to protect patients, students, and dental prosthetists who might enroll in these programs.
The order emphasizes that obtaining a diploma or certificate from a training institution is not enough to authorize the practice of a regulated health profession. It advises candidates to verify the legal status of the institution, the recognition of the program, the legal value of the diploma, and the competencies it provides access to before enrolling or paying. This cautionary note comes amid concerns that these programs may mislead individuals about their legitimacy.
The order is particularly concerned about a private vocational training establishment in Casablanca that continues to promote these programs despite a previous administrative decision to close it and withdraw its authorization. Another structure based in Sidi Slimane presents itself as an "academy" offering "qualifying training". These programs may create confusion about the procedures dental prosthetists are legally allowed to perform.
The order notes that these offers could lead to confusion about the acts dental prosthetists are legally authorized to perform, especially regarding taking impressions and fitting prostheses directly into patients' mouths. The order stresses that any direct intervention in a patient's mouth constitutes a health practice that can have consequences for their safety.
The practice of dentistry requires specific medical training of six years in a dental medicine faculty and is part of a regulatory framework defining professional competencies and responsibilities. The order highlights that using foreign professional denominations, qualifying an establishment as an "academy", or promoting training on social media do not constitute official recognition.
The order requests that health-related training programs clearly present their objectives, content, and prospects to avoid confusion with the practice of dentistry. It calls on political actors and legislative and executive institutions to strengthen the framework for professions related to dental assistance and prosthesis manufacturing.
The Moroccan National Dental Medical Order expresses its willingness to work with government departments and training institutions to clarify the status of these programs and combat practices exercised outside the legal framework. The order seeks to protect public health by ensuring that only authorized professionals perform dental procedures.
Key points
- The Moroccan National Dental Medical Order warns on unauthorized training programs in dentistry.
- The order calls for clarification on the legal status of these programs and the procedures their holders are authorized to perform.
- The practice of dentistry requires specific medical training of six years in a dental medicine faculty.
