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| First graduates of Colorado's new ITR training program for dental hygienists, December 2016. |
Guest blog by the
Division of Professions and Occupations
Department of Regulatory Agencies
In August, we shared here how dental hygienists can get qualified to perform Interim Therapeutic Restorations (ITRs). Today, we’re pleased to bring you an exciting update: the Community College of Denver (CCD) Dental Hygiene School, accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), has developed an 8-hour ITR continuing education course to start the ITR training and approval process here in Colorado.
Ever since Colorado HouseBill HB 15-1309paved the way for dental hygienists to perform ITRs under the supervision of a dentist – and after completing appropriate coursework, and applying for and obtaining a permit from the Colorado Dental Board – we’ve been anticipating the availability of a new ITR curriculum for dental hygienists statewide, some of them in collaboration with the SMILES Dental Projectand participating licensed dentists. Aligned with the SMILES vision to expand access to much-needed dental services across our state, the new law and subsequent ITR training course at CCD will soon empower dental hygienists to perform the procedure, stopping the progression of dental disease until a dentist can provide treatment.
This is especially meaningful for patients in rural, underserved areas of our state that may not have ready access to a dentist.
CCD’s ITR training course runs 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the college’s Lowry campus. Didactic training takes place in the morning, while the afternoon is dedicated to hands-on training. The course cost – including breakfast, lunch and snacks – is $350/person. The next ITR training is Jan. 6, 2017; while this course is full, check the CCD website for summer registration information.
Once the course has been completed, Colorado licensed dental hygienists may apply for approval to place ITRs (click here for the downloadable application). Applicants are generally notified 4-6 weeks after submission; to expedite the application and approval process, and to avoid delays, complete the application exactly as instructed. We also encourage interested Colorado licensed dental hygienists to watch this informational webinarand read Rule XXV to fully understand the requirements for dental hygienists performing ITRs.
While any Colorado dental school or dental hygienist program accredited by CODA can develop a course and expand on the minimum requirements, CCD is the first to do so in Colorado. Nationally, too, Colorado is on the forefront of expanding access to oral healthcare by broadening dental hygienists’ scope of practice – the SMILES Dental Project is a big part of that.
Please remember that each state has its own regulations. HB 15-1309 is specific to Colorado; to perform ITRs in other states, check their laws and regulations.
