PDA IS YOUR ADVOCATE ON SBOD ISSUES , BUT YOUR PARTICIPATION IS VITAL TO REPRESENTING THE PROFESSION .
PDA is one of many stakeholders actively monitoring and responding to all SBOD issues , including the promulgation of new regulations for dental offices and licensees . Staff and volunteer leaders attend all SBOD meetings and represent the interests of the dental community on licensing and regulatory issues .
PDA is your advocate on SBOD issues , but your participation is vital to representing the profession . You have the power to influence the SBOD ’ s decisions on regulatory issues by responding to PDA ’ s alerts that we send electronically via email , post on PDA ’ s website and publish in the Journal . We play a role in the official regulatory process that involves other governmental offices and regulatory agencies . Our role is equally important and requires participation by all licensees impacted by the SBOD ’ s actions .
Meetings are open to the public and typically held 10 times a year on Fridays in Harrisburg . They are now held virtually during the state ’ s COVID-19 emergency declaration . Contact PDA ’ s government relations staff if you would like information on attending a meeting from the comfort of your own home .
The 2021 meetings are scheduled for :
- JANUARY 15 - MARCH 12 - MAY 14 - JULY 16 - SEPTEMBER 10 - NOVEMBER 19
Use this link to access SBOD information , including forms , notices and links to the Dental Practice Act and regulations :
https :// www . dos . pa . gov / ProfessionalLicensing / BoardsCommissions / Dentistry / Pages / default . aspx
What ’ s on the horizon for the SBOD in 2021 ? While sometimes hard to predict , there may be movement on proposed rulemaking for public health dental hygiene practitioners and out-of-state licensees applying for licensure by endorsement . There could be updates to regulations for anesthesia permit holders and a new requirement for all dental offices to have an AED . Several committees may tackle emerging issues with licensing , clinical examinations , telehealth and scope of practice issues , to include diagnostic testing and vaccinations .
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 35