Government Relations
As it currently reads , Act 160 allows foreign-trained dentists to teach in a dental school or advanced dental education program for a maximum of four years . This time may only be extended if the dentist receives a license from the State Board of Dentistry ( SBOD ). The deans believe that this requirement places Pennsylvania at a competitive disadvantage to recruit and retain dental faculty .
Rep . Tony Payton ( D-Philadelphia ), introduced HB 2684 in September and it was fast-tracked to a public hearing before the House Professional Licensure Committee on September 23 . Dr . Bernard Dishler , trustee from PDA ’ s Second District , testified on PDA ’ s behalf in support of HB 2684 as it currently reads . This legislation would allow foreign-trained dentists who have graduated from programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation ( CODA ) to apply for unlimited renewals of their teaching license until they have obtained their regular license from the SBOD . Those foreign-trained dentists who have not graduated from a CODA-accredited program must obtain their regular license from the SBOD within six years of teaching at a school ( as opposed to the current four-year requirement ). All dentists with a license to teach dentistry would be unable to practice dentistry privately outside of the dental school or receive a fee for their services .
The committee failed to act on this legislation before the end of the session , wanting to have further discussions with stakeholders to reach a consensus on the bill ’ s language . It will most likely be reintroduced next session .
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November / December 2010 • Pennsylvania Dental Journal