Who is authorized to diagnose a patient if the doctor of record is out of town and the patient presents with acute conditions?

The authorization for diagnosing a patient, particularly in acute scenarios where the doctor of record is unavailable, typically falls within the scope of practice of a dentist. Another dentist, who is licensed and qualified, is equipped to assess the patient's condition, review necessary medical records, and provide a diagnosis based on their expertise. This ensures that the patient receives appropriate care in a timely manner, which is crucial, especially for acute situations.

In contrast, the responsibilities of a dental hygienist primarily revolve around preventative care and therapeutic services, rather than making diagnoses. Dental assistants also lack the authority to diagnose, as their role is largely supportive and administrative in nature, focusing on assisting dentists rather than providing clinical judgments. The office manager, on the other hand, is primarily responsible for the administrative and operational functions of the dental practice, and does not have the clinical qualifications to diagnose patient conditions. Thus, the only choice that aligns with the professional standards and legal requirements for diagnosing a patient in the absence of the primary dentist is another dentist.