STATE BOARD OF DENTISTRY YEAR-END UPDATE
Over the past year , several State Board of Dentistry ( SBOD ) committees met to discuss proposed rulemaking and emerging trends in the dental field , with the intent of offering recommendations to the full SBOD on whether to initiate the regulatory process that may eventually result in the enactment of new regulations for dental offices and facilities .
PDA ’ s Government Relations Committee closely monitors all state board developments and is prepared to offer recommendations for amending proposed rulemaking before it takes effect .
The Regulatory Committee convened several times to determine whether proposed rulemaking from prior years that had failed to complete the regulatory process was still relevant and whether any updates were necessary since the rulemaking was originally drafted .
This proposed rulemaking includes :
• General updates to existing regulations
• Updates for anesthesia permit holders
• Increasing civil penalties in disciplinary proceedings
• Regulation of mobile dental vans
• Guidance for dentists administering Botox and other dermal fillers
• Streamlining the EFDA program application process and a new requirement that EFDAs pass a clinical exam
The Scope of Practice Committee met to discuss emerging trends in dentistry , including :
• Authorizing dental hygienists to use lasers
• Authorizing dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide
• Delegation of digital impressions
• Telehealth orthodontia
In November , the SBOD circulated proposed rulemaking that increases civil penalties for infractions such as practicing on a lapsed license or permit and failing to fulfill continuing education requirements . PDA expects the committees to continue to research and discuss the other issues . Stay tuned for more information in 2023 !
Fee Increases for Upcoming License Renewal Period The state board published final-form regulations that increase license and permit application fees ( initial and renewal ) for dentists , hygienists and EFDAs . The state board is currently operating with a deficit and is required by statute to operate with a balanced budget . The SBOD had planned to raise fees two years ago , but PDA and other stakeholders made a compelling case not to raise fees during the pandemic when many dental offices were struggling financially . The SBOD delayed implementing new fees of 18 percent until fiscal years 2022-23 , which now impacts those filing for an initial license or permit , and those who were soon be renewing a license or permit . There are future fee increases of 18 percent for fiscal years 2024-25 and fiscal years 2026-27 , which will impact the subsequent two renewal periods .
The SBOD provided a rationale for the fee increases by comparing Pennsylvania ’ s fees with other states , particularly neighboring states .
The following chart illustrates the increase to dentists ’ licensing fees ( initial and renewal fees ) that is now in effect , compared to other states ’ licensing fees .
States ’ Current Licensing Fees Compared to Pennsylvania ’ s Fees for the 2027-28 renewal period
($ 282 for initial and $ 432 for renewal )
STATE CURRENT INITIAL FEE CURRENT RENEWAL FEE PENNSYLVANIA $ 235 $ 310 CONNECTICUT $ 565 $ 575 DELAWARE $ 582 $ 287 MAINE $ 871 $ 750 MARYLAND $ 450 $ 586 MASSACHUSETTS $ 660 $ 360 NEW HAMPSHIRE $ 200 $ 385 NEW JERSEY $ 515 $ 390 NEW YORK $ 377 $ 287 OHIO $ 454 $ 312 RHODE ISLAND $ 965 $ 965 VERMONT $ 250 $ 575 WEST VIRGINIA $ 185 $ 185
16 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL