STATE BOARD OF DENTISTRY 101
As a reminder , the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry ( SBOD ) is a separate and distinct entity within the Department of State ’ s Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs ( BPOA ), authorized by the state legislature to regulate the dental community . It is comprised of eight dentists , one hygienist and expanded function dental assistant and two public members , all appointed by the Governor and approved by the Senate . The board also includes one representative each from the Attorney General ’ s Office and Department of Health and the BPOA Commissioner . The appointment process , and the SBOD itself , operate independently of PDA and other dental membership organizations .
State Board duties and functions are as follows :
Licenses dentists and hygienists .
Certifies expanded function dental assistance .
Issues permits to allow dentists and hygienists to administer various levels of anesthesia .
Investigates complaints made against licensees or certificate holders .
Suspends and revokes licenses and certificates when disciplinary action occurs .
Levies fines and penalties on licensees when disciplinary action occurs .
Oversees dentists , hygienists and EFDAs to ensure compliance with licensure and certification requirements .
Develops standard of professional conduct , including continuing education requirements .
Promulgates regulations and policy statements to govern the dental 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 . Meetings are open to the public and held 10 times a year on Fridays in Harrisburg or virtually . 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 the news feed of our PDA Go mobile app . We play a role in the official regulatory process that involves other governmental offices and regulatory agencies . But our role is equally important and requires participation by all licensees impacted by the SBOD ’ s actions .
18 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL