Government Relations
who try to swindle money from the elderly. The Department developed resources for health care providers to assist with the detection of elder abuse, whether it is physical, mental or financial. The Department requested the SBOD’ s assistance in communicating the availability of these resources to all dentists and their staff.
SBOD Questions Efficacy of Licensing Testing Agencies The Licensure Committee recommended a review of all dental licensing testing agencies’ policies and procedures to ascertain whether they meet the SBOD’ s standards for initial licensure. There is some concern that some testing agencies do not adequately assess dental students’ competency.
The SBOD has listened to presentations from representatives from the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments( CDCA), the American Board of Dental Examiners( ADEX), the Central Regional Dental Testing Services( CRDTS), and the Western Regional Examining Board( WREB). They presented information about testing material and requirements, the process in which examiners are selected, and scoring procedures and methods in which they pass or fail candidates for dental licensure. The SBOD’ s Licensure Committee will continue its dialogue as to whether there is a need for the SBOD to amend current regulations accepting all licensure examinations. Changes to existing licensing testing requirements will need to be introduced as proposed regulations and move through the process, which generally takes at least two years before completion.
EFDAs to Take Clinical Exam in Near Future The SBOD believes that Pennsylvania regulations requiring a written examination only do not adequately assess the clinical competency of expanded function dental assistants( EFDAs). The committee recommended to the board that it amend current regulations to require EFDAs to pass a written exam and a clinical exam administered by the CDCA( or its successor), or a similar examination administered by an entity approved by the board. The board unanimously passed this motion. The board projects the cost of the clinical examination to be approximately $ 700. Stakeholders and others will have the opportunity to comment on the proposed regulatory change.
SBOD Takes Lead on Child Abuse Regulations The Office of General Counsel( OGC) is moving the child abuse regulations for the SBOD through the regulatory process before all of the other 25 boards tasked with promulgating child abuse regulations. The SBOD’ s regulations will serve as the model for the other licensing boards. The regulations reflect the legislature’ s changes to the Child Protective Services Act which require licensees to obtain two continuing education hours biennially.
10 JULY / AUGUST 2018 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL