1) A work authorization is a written document that provides instructions from a dentist to a dental lab technician for laboratory procedures. 2) It must include specific patient and dentist information, instructions for the work, and signatures. 3) The work authorization delineates responsibilities between the dentist and technician, protects against illegal practice, and aids in resolving disputes.

1. Dr. Kyaw Naing
Lecturer
Dept. of Prosthodontics

2.  Written direction for lab procedures
 Granting ‘power of attorney ’
 A navigator for lab technician

3. Content of work authorization
(1) the name and address of the dental laboratory
(2) the name and address of the dentist who initiates the
work authorization
(3) the identification of the patient
(4) the date of work authorization
(5) the desired completion date of the request
(6) specific instructions
(7) the signature of the dentist
(8) the registered license number of the dentist

4. Function
1. It furnishes definite instructions for laboratory
procedures
2. It provides a means of protecting the public from the
illegal practice of dentistry
3. It is a protective legal document for both the dentist
and the dental laboratory technician
4. It completely delineates the responsibilities of the
dentist and the dental laboratory technician

6. Characteristics
 A work authorization must be legible, clear, concise,
and readily understood
 Sufficient information must be included

8. Definitive Instructions by Work Authorizations
 Only a minimum of writing is necessary
 Contain printed listings of materials and specifications
 The choice of metal for the framework
 Tooth selection
 A demonstration of respect for the laboratory
technician (“Please” , “Thank you” )

9.  Not only ensures clarity but also simplifies correct
execution
 Diagrams
 Color-code index

10. Legal Aspects of Work Authorizations
 Made in duplicate
 Retain a copy for a specified period from the date of
work authorization
 To substantiate or refute claims and counterclaims that
concern the illegal practice of dentistry
 To aid in the settlement of misunderstandings
between a dentist and a dental laboratory technician

11. Delineation of Responsibilities by Work Authorizations
 The dentist is responsible for all phases of a removable
partial denture service
 Laboratory technician is responsible only to the dentist

12.  A good dental laboratory technician is a valuable team
member
 The degree and quality of the team effort are the
responsibility of the dentist
 Depend on the dentist’s knowledge, experience,
technical skill, administrative ability, integrity, and
ability to communicate effectively