Government Relations
As this year is PDA ’ s 150 th anniversary we are creating a one year only 150 th Anniversary Club level . Those who contribute $ 150- $ 199 will receive special recognition for making a PADPAC donation in commemoration of this very significant PDA milestone .
As one of the many benefits of being a PADPAC member we have a special newsletter that only goes to PADPAC contributors . It contains up to the minute goings on in Harrisburg , legislative updates , elected official Q & A and “ think ” pieces that will enlighten you and cause you to think about the people , policies and politics of our state and nation . Please make your PADPAC contribution today to be in the know and ahead of the curve .
If you would like to attend a fundraiser please let us know . A number of PDA members have attended fundraisers in their home areas and have enjoyed the experience and made contact with their elected officials . It is never too early to begin building relationships with your senators and representatives . You can be a valuable resource for them when they have issues that match with your expertise .
Many of you have generously donated . Thank you very much ! As of early January , we are one-third of the way to our goal of $ 70,000 . Please continue to be generous and encourage your colleagues to do the same . The money you contribute goes directly towards fighting the insurance companies and their desire to achieve THEIR goals – often at the expense of you and your profession . Your hard dollar donations also go toward moving the legislative and regulatory goals of the dental profession forward .
Authorization to Take Radiographs in the Dental Office
State Board of Dentistry ( SBOD ) regulations require that dental auxiliary personnel ( EFDAs and assistants ) receive authorization from the SBOD prior to taking radiographs in the dental office . Without authorization , auxiliary personnel are prohibited from taking radiographs . To obtain authorization , auxiliary personnel must pass the radiological procedure examination adopted by the SBOD .
Individuals who hold a license from the state ( dentists and dental hygienists ) do not require additional authorization to perform radiological procedures . Licensees have already satisfied the general competency requirements through licensure alone .
The examination currently adopted by the board is the Dental Assisting National Board ’ s Radiation Health and Safety exam . Auxiliary personnel must first take and pass the exam . They must then send an “ Authorization to Perform Radiological Procedures ” application , along with their DANB exam scores and the application fee to the SBOD . In return , they will receive a letter authorizing them to take radiographs . Auxiliary personnel are not allowed to take radiographs until they have received written notification from the SBOD .
All individuals authorized to take radiographs ( dentists , hygienists , EFDAs and dental assistants ) are required by 25 . PA Code , Section 221.11 to maintain continuing education credits in radiology . The course can be any pertaining to radiology , but there are four subject areas that must be addressed in order to satisfy regulations : radiation safety , biological effects of radiation , quality assurance and quality control .
For more information about the exam , please visit the Dental Assisting National Board ’ s website at : https :// www . danb . org / Become-Certified / Exams-and-Certifications / RHS-Exam . aspx . A list of study materials for the exam can be found here : https :// www . danb . org / en / Become- Certified / Prepare-for-DANB-Exams / Exam-Reference- Materials . aspx .
“ Authorization to Perform Radiological Procedures ” applications can be found on the SBOD ’ s website : http :// www . dos . pa . gov / ProfessionalLicensing / Boards Commissions / Dentistry / Pages / Initial-Applications . aspx .
For questions regarding authorization to take radiographs , please contact the PDA Central Office at ( 800 ) 223-0016 .
14 MARCH / APRIL 2018 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL