ACT 159
ACT 159
In 2023 , the State Board of Dentistry ( SBOD ) promulgated regulations for Act 159 of 2022 . This new law in Pennsylvania allows dentists , dental hygienists , and expanded function dental assistants to apply up to three ( 3 ) hours of volunteer practice toward their respective continuing education requirement , so long as the following criteria are met :
• The services are provided in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania .
• The licensee or certificate holder provides volunteer services at a clinic , health center or at an event or program offered by a charitable entity .
• The services are provided at no cost to patients .
• The licensee or certificate holder is not compensated for providing services to those patients .
• The number of hours of volunteer practice to be credited towards the continuing education requirement must represent the time that the licensee or certificate holder spent in the actual delivery of oral health care services or in direct support of the delivery of oral health care services . Continuing education credit will not be awarded for time spent performing administrative duties .
Acceptable documentation consists of a letter from the clinic , health center , or charitable entity on their letterhead which verifies the licensee or certificate holder ’ s compliance with the above conditions , along with the date ( s ), location , and hours of volunteer practice . The letter may be signed by the director , chief operating officer , or other authorized person affiliated with the clinic , health center , or charitable entity hosting the event or program . Licensees and certificate holders must retain the documentation for a minimum of four ( 4 ) years , in case of an audit .
DID YOU KNOW ?
Did you know that PDA staff and volunteer leaders attend every SBOD meeting so that YOU have a voice when it comes to how your dental office is regulated ? Log on PDA ’ s website at www . padental . org and click on the Advocacy tab , to find out what happened at the meetings this past year .
DID YOU KNOW ?
Did you know that the SBOD meetings are open to the public , and that you have the ability attend in person or virtually ? It ’ s a great way to learn more about the licensing process and regulations that impact you and your dental team . Find out more on the SBOD ’ s website .
2024 Meeting Dates
January 12 March 15 May 10
July 19 September 13 November 15
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 23