State Board of Dentistry & PDA What ’ s the Difference ?
State Board of Dentistry 101
State Board of Dentistry 101
SBOD Defined
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 , one expanded function dental assistant and two public members , all appointed by the Governor .
The board also includes one representative each from the Attorney General ’ s Office and Department of Health and the BPOA Commissioner .
PDA is just one of many stakeholders actively monitoring and responding to all SBOD issues , including the promulgation of new regulations for dental offices and licensees .
PDA staff and volunteer leaders attend all SBOD meetings and represent the interests of the dental community on licensing and regulatory issues .
The appointment process , and the State Board itself , operate independently of PDA and other dental membership organizations .
State Board of Dentistry & PDA What ’ s the Difference ?
Licenses dentists and hygienists . Certifies expanded function dental assistants .
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 .
SBOD PDA
Meetings are open to the public and held 10 times a year on Fridays in Harrisburg .
PDA is your advocate on these issues , but your participation is vital to representing the profession .
You have the power to influence the State Board ’ 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 an important role in the official regulatory process that involves other governmental offices and regulatory agencies .
Our role requires participation by all licensees impacted by the SBOD ’ s actions .
That means you !
November 2023
24 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL