Clinics need to develop P&Ps for purchasing dental and office supplies. The clinic board of directors will need to decide which staff members will be given authority to order and purchase supplies and how to pay for the supplies.

P&Ps should specify who will have access to cash, checks, or credit cards to purchase supplies and what procedures will be in place to deter misuse and theft. A dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant should be in charge of purchasing dental supplies. A clerk, office manager, receptionist, or other non-clinical staff member should be in charge of purchasing office or miscellaneous supplies. Limit the number of staff who have access to cash, checks, and credit cards, but maintain adequate ordering flexibility to ensure that supplies can be purchased during staff absences or if there is staff turnover.

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