Connecticut pharmacists, dentists work toward mutual cooperation
Principles for Dentist-Pharmacist Relationships
"The Guiding Principles for DentistPharmacist Relationships in Connecticut " was prepared under the auspices of the Connecticut Joint Dental-Pharmaceutical Committee. The Committee is composed of six dentists and six pharmacists representing their respective state associations, with Gilbert LeVine Mellion, DDS, serving as chairman. (See JAPhA, May 1973, pp. 244-245, for a history of the Committee and its purposes.) The "Principles" were prepared because of the significant increase in prescription writing by practicing dentists . Further, with the increased involvement of third-party dental insurance programs, the Committee felt that the relationships between dentists and pharmacists should be formalized to establish that prescription writing is a significant part of dental practice. The " Principles " were approved by the Connecticut Pharmaceutical Association Executive Committee on January 14, 1975, and by the Connecticut State Dental Association on May 6, 1975.
the pharmacist to dispense medication precisely as prescribed and in accordance with currently acceptable pharmaceutical practice . Sec . 2. Drug Control Laws-All drugs prescribed by dentists and dispensed by pharmacists are subject to controls under both Federal and State laws. For this reason, it is of the utmost importance that practitioners of both professions be familiar with their respective responsibilities to prescribe and dispense drugs in strict conformance with these laws. The possession and exercise of this knowledge will help prevent errors, confusion , and time-consuming delays for all concerned and, particularly, for the patient. Further, such conformance will help to guarantee that the patient receives maximum benefits from the safety and protection that the statutes controlling drugs are intended to provide. Sec. 3. Consultation-Should either the dentist or the pharmacist have doubt concerning a prescribed therapeutic agent, its dosage, or the directions for its use by the patient, consultation with the other should be held prior to the dispensing of the agent by the pharmacist. As a matter of good interprofessional practice, all such
Guiding Principles for Dentist-Pharmacist Relationships In Connecticut Suggested Guidelines for the Purpose of Maintaining Mutual Esteem and Cooperative Working Relations Foreword These " Guiding Principles" are suggested guidelines for Connecticut dentists and pharmacists for the purpose of maintaining mutual esteem and cooperative working relations . The principles constitute neither a pronouncement of law nor a code of ethics, and are not intented to in any way supersede or be in conflict with statutes or ethical concepts governing the conduct of either group of practitioners in their respective practices or in their respective professional organizations.
I. Freedom of Choice It is recognized that freedom of choice between alternatives is an important characteristic of the American system of private enterprise . Consequently, members of both professions would assure patients of the free choice in dental and pharmaceutical services . II. Prescribing and Dispensing of Drugs Sec. 1. The Prescription-The prescription is a continuation of the dentist's personal treatment of his patient. It is the responsibility of the dentist to prescribe the specific medication he desires for his patient and it is the responsibility of
588
On November 5-Drug Symposium for Dentists and Pharmacists The Connecticut Joint Dental-Pharmaceutical Committee will sponsor a drug symposium for dentists and pharmacists November 5 in West Haven, Connecticut. Topics to be covered include " 'Biofeedback ' in the Treatment of Bruxism and Pain Control, " by Charles F. Strobel, Institute of Living, Hartford; " Interactions of Drugs Used in Dental Practice, .. by Alex A. Cardoni, Department of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut Health Center. The afternoon program will consist of a discussion of the pharmacology and uses of drugs for office emergencies, and " Indications for Antibiotic Therapy-Solving the Antibiotic Maze, .. with Morton A. Goldberg as speaker. For further information contact Gilbert Le Vine Mellion, DDS, Chairman, Connecticut Joint Dental-Pharmaceutical Committee, 798 Old Main Street, Rocky Hill, CT 06067, or Registrar John Wozniak, RPh, 898 State Street, New Haven CT 06511 .
consultations should be held privately and in mutual confidence . Sec . 4. Refills-By law, dentist's prescriptions for most drugs cannot be refilled by the pharmacist without authorization from the prescriber. Misunderstandings and delays will be avoided if, in writing the original prescription for a patient, the dentist includes complete and specific orders to the pharmacist regarding the number of times he desires it to be refilled for that patient. Sec . 5. Labelling-In normal circumstances, the pharmacist must imprint on the label of a prescription the date dispensed, the prescription number, the names of the patient and the dentist, the name and strength of the drug, the directions for use, and any caution or other legend which is required . III. Interprofessional Relations Sec. 1. Questions of the Patient- Should a patient question the pharmacist concerning the dentist's diagnosis or choice of drug, such questions should be referred to and answered by the prescribing dentist. Should a patient question the dentist concerning the specific price of a prescribed drug, such questions should be referred to and answered by the dispensing pharmacist. It is the common goal of both professions to promote a feeling of warranted confidence in the patient that he is receiving the most appropriate and effective therapeutic agent possible, at a price commensurate with the nature and quality of the agent and the type and amount of professional service rendered by the pharmacist dispensing it. Sec . 2. Disputes-Should a dispute arise between a pharmacist and a dentist involving questions of ethics and/or professional conduct, the disputants should make every effort to resolve the problem between themselves-in confidence and in an amicable manner. However, should a dispute remain unresolved, it should be referred for arbitration to the Connecticut Joint Dental and Pharmaceutical Committee. In matters of this kind, confidentiality should be observed by all parties until and unless all attempts at mediation through professional channels have failed and
Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association
redress has been sought through overt legal action . Sec . 3. Dentist Dispensing-It is recognized that dispensing of medication prescribed by dentists is a service to be performed by licensed pharmacists. It is also recognized that, both legally and ethically, dentists may supply their own private patients with drugs, materials and appliances, provided that in so doing the dentist neither exploit those patients to the pecuniary benefit of the dentist nor denies the patients free choice of pharmaceutical services . In general, however,' it is recommended that when adequate services by licensed pharmacists are available, the furnishing of such drugs, materials and appliances by dentists should ordinarily be limited to the immediate needs of the patient and reserved for special circumstances.
large-Scale multi-product plant • food chemicals &. vitamin mixtures • agricultural & specialty products • animal health formulations • bulk pharmaceuticals • packaging
Sec. 4. Pharmacist Prescribing-It is recognized that the selling of proprietary drugs and ancillary items including dental hygiene aids is part of the legitimate activity of pharmacists and that some professional advice may be required for consumers. IV. Interprofessional Communication Recognizing that members of each profession have special competences and knowledge concerning drugs and related therapeutic agents, a free exchange of information on these matters is encouraged between pharmacists and dentists at all levels. As the scope and complexity of modern dental medicine increases, interprofessional communications of this nature are certain to become of even greater importance than in the past. V. Conclusion The foregoing embodies the collective thinking of members of the Joint DentalPharmaceutical Committee of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the
Connecticut Pharmaceutical Association. First formed in 1958, the Joint Dental-Pharo:. maceutical Committee has provided a forum in which practicing, academic, licensing, and supervisory representatives of both professions could meet voluntariiy to discuss scientific subjects of mutual interest, make pertinent recommendations on matters of professional and public concern and, on request, attempt to resolve occasional differences which arise between responsible pharmacists and den- . tists. Having no intrinsic authority, and seeking none, the Committee believes it has played a significant role in protnoting the generally harmonious relationship~ which presently exist between its parent organizations and their respective members. It is against this background of shared experience and knowledge that participants in the work of the Joint DentalPharmaceutical Committee offer these " Guiding Principles" to their colleagues throughout the State . •
We seek a seasoned quality control executive who will help us achieve our goal of quality assurance at every phase of production and packaging . In a position of broad-ranging responsibilities , the selected candidate will direct the inspection and testing functions at our large production facilities at Rahway , N.J. Start-to-finish responsibilities involve inspection , raw material and container component evaluations , in-process testing , and final testing of hundreds of different products. This highly visible administrator will also provide technical consultation on QC matters to plant personnel , and will be responsible for a continuous program of auditing facilities and operations from the GMP and quality control standpoints . Directs a staff of 50+ and carries out an ongoing program of staff development.
Credentials should include a Master 's degree in Chemistry, or equivalent, with emphasis on analytical chemistry ; 10 years progressive QC responsibilities (predominantly in pharmaceuticals); plus strong expertise in quality control ' ... and proven management talents . Familiarity with applicable governmental regulations , especially GMPR , is essential. Successful candidate can expect full career development on the basis of performance and ability for advancement. All inquiries treated in confidence. Please send detailed resume with earnings recorded to Mrs. C. L. Almer, Dept. JAPA.
~ ~ ~ MERCK & CO. INC. MER C K Rahway, N.J. 07065
_ C _ ~ K III""
Vol. NS 15, No. 10, October 1975
An equal opportunity employer, male/female
589
Principles for Dentist-Pharmacist Relationships
"The Guiding Principles for DentistPharmacist Relationships in Connecticut " was prepared under the auspices of the Connecticut Joint Dental-Pharmaceutical Committee. The Committee is composed of six dentists and six pharmacists representing their respective state associations, with Gilbert LeVine Mellion, DDS, serving as chairman. (See JAPhA, May 1973, pp. 244-245, for a history of the Committee and its purposes.) The "Principles" were prepared because of the significant increase in prescription writing by practicing dentists . Further, with the increased involvement of third-party dental insurance programs, the Committee felt that the relationships between dentists and pharmacists should be formalized to establish that prescription writing is a significant part of dental practice. The " Principles " were approved by the Connecticut Pharmaceutical Association Executive Committee on January 14, 1975, and by the Connecticut State Dental Association on May 6, 1975.
the pharmacist to dispense medication precisely as prescribed and in accordance with currently acceptable pharmaceutical practice . Sec . 2. Drug Control Laws-All drugs prescribed by dentists and dispensed by pharmacists are subject to controls under both Federal and State laws. For this reason, it is of the utmost importance that practitioners of both professions be familiar with their respective responsibilities to prescribe and dispense drugs in strict conformance with these laws. The possession and exercise of this knowledge will help prevent errors, confusion , and time-consuming delays for all concerned and, particularly, for the patient. Further, such conformance will help to guarantee that the patient receives maximum benefits from the safety and protection that the statutes controlling drugs are intended to provide. Sec. 3. Consultation-Should either the dentist or the pharmacist have doubt concerning a prescribed therapeutic agent, its dosage, or the directions for its use by the patient, consultation with the other should be held prior to the dispensing of the agent by the pharmacist. As a matter of good interprofessional practice, all such
Guiding Principles for Dentist-Pharmacist Relationships In Connecticut Suggested Guidelines for the Purpose of Maintaining Mutual Esteem and Cooperative Working Relations Foreword These " Guiding Principles" are suggested guidelines for Connecticut dentists and pharmacists for the purpose of maintaining mutual esteem and cooperative working relations . The principles constitute neither a pronouncement of law nor a code of ethics, and are not intented to in any way supersede or be in conflict with statutes or ethical concepts governing the conduct of either group of practitioners in their respective practices or in their respective professional organizations.
I. Freedom of Choice It is recognized that freedom of choice between alternatives is an important characteristic of the American system of private enterprise . Consequently, members of both professions would assure patients of the free choice in dental and pharmaceutical services . II. Prescribing and Dispensing of Drugs Sec. 1. The Prescription-The prescription is a continuation of the dentist's personal treatment of his patient. It is the responsibility of the dentist to prescribe the specific medication he desires for his patient and it is the responsibility of
588
On November 5-Drug Symposium for Dentists and Pharmacists The Connecticut Joint Dental-Pharmaceutical Committee will sponsor a drug symposium for dentists and pharmacists November 5 in West Haven, Connecticut. Topics to be covered include " 'Biofeedback ' in the Treatment of Bruxism and Pain Control, " by Charles F. Strobel, Institute of Living, Hartford; " Interactions of Drugs Used in Dental Practice, .. by Alex A. Cardoni, Department of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut Health Center. The afternoon program will consist of a discussion of the pharmacology and uses of drugs for office emergencies, and " Indications for Antibiotic Therapy-Solving the Antibiotic Maze, .. with Morton A. Goldberg as speaker. For further information contact Gilbert Le Vine Mellion, DDS, Chairman, Connecticut Joint Dental-Pharmaceutical Committee, 798 Old Main Street, Rocky Hill, CT 06067, or Registrar John Wozniak, RPh, 898 State Street, New Haven CT 06511 .
consultations should be held privately and in mutual confidence . Sec . 4. Refills-By law, dentist's prescriptions for most drugs cannot be refilled by the pharmacist without authorization from the prescriber. Misunderstandings and delays will be avoided if, in writing the original prescription for a patient, the dentist includes complete and specific orders to the pharmacist regarding the number of times he desires it to be refilled for that patient. Sec . 5. Labelling-In normal circumstances, the pharmacist must imprint on the label of a prescription the date dispensed, the prescription number, the names of the patient and the dentist, the name and strength of the drug, the directions for use, and any caution or other legend which is required . III. Interprofessional Relations Sec. 1. Questions of the Patient- Should a patient question the pharmacist concerning the dentist's diagnosis or choice of drug, such questions should be referred to and answered by the prescribing dentist. Should a patient question the dentist concerning the specific price of a prescribed drug, such questions should be referred to and answered by the dispensing pharmacist. It is the common goal of both professions to promote a feeling of warranted confidence in the patient that he is receiving the most appropriate and effective therapeutic agent possible, at a price commensurate with the nature and quality of the agent and the type and amount of professional service rendered by the pharmacist dispensing it. Sec . 2. Disputes-Should a dispute arise between a pharmacist and a dentist involving questions of ethics and/or professional conduct, the disputants should make every effort to resolve the problem between themselves-in confidence and in an amicable manner. However, should a dispute remain unresolved, it should be referred for arbitration to the Connecticut Joint Dental and Pharmaceutical Committee. In matters of this kind, confidentiality should be observed by all parties until and unless all attempts at mediation through professional channels have failed and
Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association
redress has been sought through overt legal action . Sec . 3. Dentist Dispensing-It is recognized that dispensing of medication prescribed by dentists is a service to be performed by licensed pharmacists. It is also recognized that, both legally and ethically, dentists may supply their own private patients with drugs, materials and appliances, provided that in so doing the dentist neither exploit those patients to the pecuniary benefit of the dentist nor denies the patients free choice of pharmaceutical services . In general, however,' it is recommended that when adequate services by licensed pharmacists are available, the furnishing of such drugs, materials and appliances by dentists should ordinarily be limited to the immediate needs of the patient and reserved for special circumstances.
large-Scale multi-product plant • food chemicals &. vitamin mixtures • agricultural & specialty products • animal health formulations • bulk pharmaceuticals • packaging
Sec. 4. Pharmacist Prescribing-It is recognized that the selling of proprietary drugs and ancillary items including dental hygiene aids is part of the legitimate activity of pharmacists and that some professional advice may be required for consumers. IV. Interprofessional Communication Recognizing that members of each profession have special competences and knowledge concerning drugs and related therapeutic agents, a free exchange of information on these matters is encouraged between pharmacists and dentists at all levels. As the scope and complexity of modern dental medicine increases, interprofessional communications of this nature are certain to become of even greater importance than in the past. V. Conclusion The foregoing embodies the collective thinking of members of the Joint DentalPharmaceutical Committee of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the
Connecticut Pharmaceutical Association. First formed in 1958, the Joint Dental-Pharo:. maceutical Committee has provided a forum in which practicing, academic, licensing, and supervisory representatives of both professions could meet voluntariiy to discuss scientific subjects of mutual interest, make pertinent recommendations on matters of professional and public concern and, on request, attempt to resolve occasional differences which arise between responsible pharmacists and den- . tists. Having no intrinsic authority, and seeking none, the Committee believes it has played a significant role in protnoting the generally harmonious relationship~ which presently exist between its parent organizations and their respective members. It is against this background of shared experience and knowledge that participants in the work of the Joint DentalPharmaceutical Committee offer these " Guiding Principles" to their colleagues throughout the State . •
We seek a seasoned quality control executive who will help us achieve our goal of quality assurance at every phase of production and packaging . In a position of broad-ranging responsibilities , the selected candidate will direct the inspection and testing functions at our large production facilities at Rahway , N.J. Start-to-finish responsibilities involve inspection , raw material and container component evaluations , in-process testing , and final testing of hundreds of different products. This highly visible administrator will also provide technical consultation on QC matters to plant personnel , and will be responsible for a continuous program of auditing facilities and operations from the GMP and quality control standpoints . Directs a staff of 50+ and carries out an ongoing program of staff development.
Credentials should include a Master 's degree in Chemistry, or equivalent, with emphasis on analytical chemistry ; 10 years progressive QC responsibilities (predominantly in pharmaceuticals); plus strong expertise in quality control ' ... and proven management talents . Familiarity with applicable governmental regulations , especially GMPR , is essential. Successful candidate can expect full career development on the basis of performance and ability for advancement. All inquiries treated in confidence. Please send detailed resume with earnings recorded to Mrs. C. L. Almer, Dept. JAPA.
~ ~ ~ MERCK & CO. INC. MER C K Rahway, N.J. 07065
_ C _ ~ K III""
Vol. NS 15, No. 10, October 1975
An equal opportunity employer, male/female
589
