Government Relations
As this year is PDA’ s 150 th anniversary we are creating a one year only 150 th Anniversary Club level. Those who contribute $ 150- $ 199 will receive special recognition for making a PADPAC donation in commemoration of this very significant PDA milestone.
As one of the many benefits of being a PADPAC member we have a special newsletter that only goes to PADPAC contributors. It contains up to the minute goings on in Harrisburg, legislative updates, elected official Q & A and“ think” pieces that will enlighten you and cause you to think about the people, policies and politics of our state and nation. Please make your PADPAC contribution today to be in the know and ahead of the curve.
If you would like to attend a fundraiser please let us know. A number of PDA members have attended fundraisers in their home areas and have enjoyed the experience and made contact with their elected officials. It is never too early to begin building relationships with your senators and representatives. You can be a valuable resource for them when they have issues that match with your expertise.
Many of you have generously donated. Thank you very much! As of early January, we are one-third of the way to our goal of $ 70,000. Please continue to be generous and encourage your colleagues to do the same. The money you contribute goes directly towards fighting the insurance companies and their desire to achieve THEIR goals – often at the expense of you and your profession. Your hard dollar donations also go toward moving the legislative and regulatory goals of the dental profession forward.
Authorization to Take Radiographs in the Dental Office
State Board of Dentistry( SBOD) regulations require that dental auxiliary personnel( EFDAs and assistants) receive authorization from the SBOD prior to taking radiographs in the dental office. Without authorization, auxiliary personnel are prohibited from taking radiographs. To obtain authorization, auxiliary personnel must pass the radiological procedure examination adopted by the SBOD.
Individuals who hold a license from the state( dentists and dental hygienists) do not require additional authorization to perform radiological procedures. Licensees have already satisfied the general competency requirements through licensure alone.
The examination currently adopted by the board is the Dental Assisting National Board’ s Radiation Health and Safety exam. Auxiliary personnel must first take and pass the exam. They must then send an“ Authorization to Perform Radiological Procedures” application, along with their DANB exam scores and the application fee to the SBOD. In return, they will receive a letter authorizing them to take radiographs. Auxiliary personnel are not allowed to take radiographs until they have received written notification from the SBOD.
All individuals authorized to take radiographs( dentists, hygienists, EFDAs and dental assistants) are required by 25. PA Code, Section 221.11 to maintain continuing education credits in radiology. The course can be any pertaining to radiology, but there are four subject areas that must be addressed in order to satisfy regulations: radiation safety, biological effects of radiation, quality assurance and quality control.
For more information about the exam, please visit the Dental Assisting National Board’ s website at: https:// www. danb. org / Become-Certified / Exams-and-Certifications / RHS-Exam. aspx. A list of study materials for the exam can be found here: https:// www. danb. org / en / Become- Certified / Prepare-for-DANB-Exams / Exam-Reference- Materials. aspx.
“ Authorization to Perform Radiological Procedures” applications can be found on the SBOD’ s website: http:// www. dos. pa. gov / ProfessionalLicensing / Boards Commissions / Dentistry / Pages / Initial-Applications. aspx.
For questions regarding authorization to take radiographs, please contact the PDA Central Office at( 800) 223-0016.
14 MARCH / APRIL 2018 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL