Legal and Regulatory Review of Training and Employing Midlevel Dental Providers in Iran

Rojhanian, Tayebe; Mousavi, Seyed Masood; Araghizadeh, Abdolmehdi; Moaddeli, Mohammadreza

doi:10.5812/koomesh-151463

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Koomesh

Journal of Semnan University of Medical Sciences

e-ISSN 2345-3699

p-ISSN 1608-7046

Cover image of the article: Legal and Regulatory Review of Training and Employing Midlevel Dental Providers in Iran

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Outline

Abstract
References
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https://doi.org/10.69107/koomesh-151463

Legal and Regulatory Review of Training and Employing Midlevel Dental Providers in Iran

Authors

Tayebe Rojhanian

¹, Seyed Masood Mousavi

^2,*, Abdolmehdi Araghizadeh

³, Mohammadreza Moaddeli

⁴

1Department of Community Oral Health, School of Dentistry, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran

2Health Management and Economics Health Policy and Management Research Center, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran

3Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran

4Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran

*Corresponding Author: Health Management and Economics Health Policy and Management Research Center, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. Email: m.mousavihp93@gmail.com

Koomesh:Vol. 27, issue 3; e151463

Published online:Jun 30, 2025

Article type:Research Article

How to Cite:Rojhanian T, Mousavi SM, Araghizadeh A, Moaddeli M. Legal and Regulatory Review of Training and Employing Midlevel Dental Providers in Iran. Koomesh. 2025;27(3):e151463. doi: https://doi.org/10.69107/koomesh-151463

Abstract

Background: The training of various dental auxiliaries has been the result of efforts to address the issue of access to dental services in Iran.
Objectives: To examine the laws governing the training and employment of dental auxiliaries in Iran and to identify their strengths and weaknesses.
Methods: This qualitative study analyzed 22 documents in five stages, utilizing framework analysis based on the 2000 World Health Organization report.
Results: The strengths of the laws enacted in stewardship function include: establishing regulations for addressing violations; ensuring compliance with the law; setting prohibitions; defining responsibilities and enforcement; repealing outdated laws; refining legislation; delegating authority; fulfilling needs; enhancing access; promoting equity; securing human resources; providing educational infrastructure; standardizing education; defining hierarchies and fostering intersectoral collaboration. Additionally, the weaknesses of these laws include contradictory policies, extension of laws, and lack of adherence to the regulations. In the area of human resource training, the strengths include having regulations for service orientation and relocation, recruitment and retention of personnel, skill development, educational and motivational standards, evaluation, and needs assessment. However, weaknesses include inconsistencies in educational standards and the defined goals of the training program. The laws in the service delivery domain exhibit strengths such as prioritizing and supplying human resources for both urban and rural areas, emphasizing preventive services, and facilitating access. Nevertheless, weaknesses in this domain involve the nature of assigned tasks and the priorities set. In the area of resource production, strengths include identifying the necessary resources for program implementation and implementing cost-saving measures.
Conclusion: This study highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the laws governing dental auxiliaries in Iran. It suggests revising contradictory laws, enhancing supervision, clarifying legal distinctions, defining vision and achievable goals, involving stakeholders in legislative processes, and prioritizing initiatives.

Highlights

KeywordsDental Auxiliaries Health Workforce Dental Care Health Policy Oral Health

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Copyright

© 2025, Author(s). This open-access article is available under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which allows for unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided that the original work is properly cited.

Outline

Legal and Regulatory Review of Training and Employing Midlevel Dental Providers in Iran

Abstract

Highlights

References

Copyright

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