Public servant ensures patients' safety in the dental chair

Julie Smith/News Tribune
Brian Barnett, executive director of Missouri Dental Board, poses in the office of Professional Registration
Julie Smith/News Tribune Brian Barnett, executive director of Missouri Dental Board, poses in the office of Professional Registration

After 17 years with the Division of Professional Registration, Missouri Dental and Optometry Board Executive Director Brian Barnett said he embraces the responsibility that comes with being a public servant.

"I really enjoy what I do. I've been very fortunate to work alongside some very talented and dedicated people," Barnett said. "Over the years I've been able to learn from them, and their dedication has kind of rubbed off on me."

Barnett is a part of the state board that licenses dental providers and optometrists, ensuring practitioners provide consistent and standard care for all patients within the set rules and statutes.

Prior to his current position, Barnett worked as a deputy at the Callaway County Sheriff's department for seven years and later as an investigator at DPR.

With his prior experience in law enforcement, Barnett explained, his transition into the investigator's role was seamless.

"It's not that much different: We have laws, rules and regulations, and as citizens, have to work within those boundaries. And that is the role of a licensure agency like this," Barnett said. "There really are a lot of similarities to the mission."

Measuring the department's overall success boils down to recognizing when the number of reported adverse occurrences and patient complaints has decreased - indicating they're doing something right.

"This profession could be somewhat of a thankless job because there is no tangible report that shows that they're doing a good job," Barnett said. "For me, it's the overall sense that we do make a difference."

As with most industries, Barnett noted technology as one of the biggest changes over time which have affected the way providers can do their jobs. He used the example of new usage of telemedicine.

Questions and challenges arise with methods outside the brick-and-mortar setting people are accustomed to, he said, targeting whether patients receive the same quality of care as in the traditional setting.

In another example, he explained some dental assistants have been issued expanded functions permits that allow them to provide additional services outside of what they are originally licensed to do. These services may include dental fillings, restorative work, and adjustments to orthodontic (braces) and prosthodontic (dentures) appliances. Prior to 2013, this process was not regulated and there were no industry-wide standards for training.

"Ultimately, no matter what new procedures, technologies or processes ways, we always put the patient first," Barnett said. "When family members sit down in that chair, we want them to be safe, and the job we do helps to guarantee that.

Barnett's advice for young professionals is it takes dedication and desire to make a difference.

"You have to be willing to embrace that role as a public servant because that's truly what we are," he said.