According to an article titled “Arizona Joins States Requiring IDing Dentures” in the October, 2011 issue of Journal of Dental Technology*. A number of states require by law some form of dental prosthetic identification. The form of identification varies state by state and may include the patient's name, Social Security Number, driver’s license number, or a combination of these.
Every day dental prosthetics and appliances such as dentures, partials, crowns, bridges, attachments, and mouth guards are lost, misplaced, or damaged. If the dental prosthetic is found by someone other than you (the patient owner), this presents a challenge - there is typically no way of identifying ownership. Another challenge to consider: imagine that while traveling you lose a tooth in your denture. How can you be certain it will be replaced with the exact tooth brand, mould and shade? This may not be a concern to some, but to others, self-image and the integrity of their smile is very important.
*Unknown, (2011, October). Arizona Joins States Requiring IDing Dentures. JDTUnbound.
Retrieved September 20, 2012, from http://www.jdtunbound.com/files/pdf-files/JDT_10_11_Web.pdf
The following is a list of states that currently require some type of dental prosthetic identification:
DPid (Dental Prosthetics Identification) can offer a compliance solution by providing a quick and secure means to identify dental prosthetics or appliances in addition to providing all the information necessary to repair or replace it when necessary. DPid’s process provides an open line of communication between you (the patient), your dentist, and the dental laboratory. DPid offers a way to preserve your self-image and insure your well-being by helping you quickly restore your smile, both inside and out… saving time and money.
To achieve this open line of communication, DPid maintains two levels of secure information. The Tier 1 level provides rapid access to ownership identification and the dental prosthetic’s manufacturing data including: country of origin; contact information for the dentist and dental lab; unique identification number; date of manufacture and of any subsequent changes; and the component’s manufacturer, brand name, certification, and related identifiers, such as lot numbers.
The optional second level Tier 2 is available at a higher level of security, and will typically contain the patient’s date of birth, contact information, emergency contact information, and Pertinent Health Information that may impact the well-being of the patient through the type of manufacturing materials or the dental procedure of inserting a device.
The information found on this website is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Nor does this website intend to provide an exhaustive list of all federal or state laws or regulations pertaining to dentistry or dental prosthetics. Laws vary from state to state and are constantly changing. DPID, LLC makes no representations, warranty or guarantee as to the accuracy or reliability of the information presented on this website.
To learn more about how DPid can benefit you, please explore our web site or contact us.
Thank you for considering DPid (Dental Prosthetics Identification).