What must a dentist include in a work order as part of the legal requirements?

A work order in a dental practice serves as a contractual agreement between the dentist and the dental laboratory or technician performing specific tasks. One of the fundamental legal requirements for such a document is the inclusion of the dentist's signature and license number. This requirement ensures that the work order is authorized by a licensed professional, establishing accountability and compliance with state regulations governing dental practice. The signature verifies that the dentist has reviewed and approved the procedures, while the license number confirms their qualification to provide dental services.

Including these elements is crucial not just for legal validity but also for maintaining professional standards of practice. It protects both the dentist and the patient by ensuring that treatments are ordered by a licensed practitioner, thereby reducing the risk of malpractice claims and upholding patient safety regulations.