In today’s world, where medical professions are increasingly specialized, ensuring that your dentist is fully accredited and registered is more important than ever. The General Dental Council, in Portugal called Ordem dos Médicos Dentistas (OMD), has a robust system to grant you that information.
Why Accreditation is Important
Legal Compliance: In Portugal, legal registration with a professional body such as the OMD is mandatory for the practice of dentistry. This ensures that the dentist has met all required educational and professional standards.
Quality Assurance: Registration verifies that the dentist is qualified to perform a wide range of dental procedures. Without this assurance, patients risk receiving inferior quality care, potentially leading to serious health complications.
Specialisations: The OMD system allows patients to check a dentist's specialisations. This is crucial for patients who require specific treatments, ensuring they receive care from someone with the appropriate experience.
Avoiding Misinformation: Incorrectly entering a professional's name (for example, missing accents or special characters) can lead to misleading results. This highlights the importance of accurate information, a universally relevant principle.
Professional Location: The OMD system also provides information on the professional domicile of the dentist. This feature is useful for understanding the geographical scope of a dentist's practice, which may be broader than presumed.
The Risks of Choosing an Unregistered Dentist
Quality of Care: Unregistered dentists may not have the necessary training or skills, putting patients at risk of inadequate or harmful treatments.
Legal Ramifications: Using unregistered dental services can lead to legal complications, both for the practitioner and the patient.
Ethical Concerns: Seeking services from unaccredited professionals undermines efforts to maintain high standards in the dental profession.
How to Verify a Dentist's Accreditation in Portugal
It is crucial to verify a dentist's registration with the OMD in Portugal, the OMD ensures that all registered dentists adhere to strict professional standards. Make sure the dentist's name and qualifications are correctly listed on the OMD website.
Conclusion
The rigorous system of the OMD in Portugal is a testament to the importance of verifying a dentist's credentials. It is a principle that holds true worldwide. As patients, it is our responsibility to ensure that our healthcare providers, including dentists, are accredited and registered. This not only protects our health but also upholds the standards of the dental profession.
Based on: Portuguese Dental Association
