Background Checks for Dental Professionals
Dental careers such as dental assistants and dental hygienists are on the rise, and due to the high demand many students are pursuing an education in this field. Most people are aware of the educational, licensing and certification requirements, but many are surprised to learn that criminal background checks are also part of the procedure.
On the surface, it seems like an unnecessary step but there are actually plenty of very good reasons a background check is an eligibility requirement for dental careers. Dental professionals work with the public and are often alone in a room with patients. It is very important to ensure the safety of patients in these environments, particularly because sometimes the patients may be unconscious while work is performed. Further, dental professionals have access to prescription medications and care must be taken to ensure that drug addicts do not seek this type of career in order to gain access to drug supplies.
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Infractions and Felonies
Each state has its own requirements regarding the background checks, but all states require a check to be carried out to some extent. This includes giving fingerprints and personal information and having an investigation into your criminal history conducted. Some infractions may be acceptable in some states but not others. Generally speaking, applicants with a history of sexual or violent crimes will be denied in any state. As for other felonies, some states are only concerned with convictions within the last seven years whereas other states will deny candidates who have ever been convicted of a felony. Serious drug convictions are also grounds for rejection.
Minor infractions generally will not prevent a person from being accepted into a dental program. Traffic violations such as parking tickets and speeding are not enough to be rejected from a program or licensure. Misdemeanors are at the discretion of the licensing board and may be considered on a case-by-case basis after examining the circumstances surrounding the conviction. As long as the crime does not indicate that the candidate is a threat to the personal safety of others, it may be disregarded.
If a dental assistant or dental hygienist commits a crime after becoming certified or licensed, there are measures in place to ensure they do not continue working. In some cases, the conviction may be reported to the board automatically by the courts but even if not, all dental hygienist and assistant licenses must be renewed every few years. As part of the renewal process, another background check is conducted and the license will be revoked if the candidate is found to have committed a crime that makes them ineligible to work as a dental professional in their state.
School Admission Background Checks
Many dental assistant and dental hygiene programs will require the background check as part of the school admissions process. Those who do not pass will not be permitted to attend the school. Even if the school does not require the background check, it will be required to receive the state license. A further check may even be carried out by the employer. The cost of conducting background checks ranges from $20-50 depending on the state and is at the expense of the applicant.
Working as closely and privately with the public as dental professionals do opens up a lot of opportunities for potential misconduct, so background checks are taken very seriously. Drug testing is also required for these jobs and may be ongoing throughout the duration of employment as a dental professional. All of these measures help ensure patient safety as well as protect the integrity and reputation of dental workers so the public can feel confident and trust in their services.
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