Government Relations
certified for the 2011-12 biennial period would also have to obtain three hours of continuing education . All EFDA programs will integrate training for these expanded functions into their existing curriculums . These regulations are not yet final , but should be in 2011 .
Regulating Teeth Whitening as the Practice of Dentistry
Due to growing concerns about the preponderance of non-dental professionals offering teeth whitening services to the public , the SBOD drafted a policy statement that would effectively regulate teeth whitening services as the practice of dentistry , to be administered by dental professionals only .
The SBOD ’ s draft policy statement states that tooth whitening may be performed by a licensed dentist , or other qualified dental staff ( under dentists ’ direct supervision ). Tooth whitening is defined as any means or methods used to whiten or bleach teeth , or the dispensing of a toothwhitening agent to another person . There is an exemption for those products that consumers can purchase over-the-counter . This policy is still in draft form and must be approved by offices in the Governor ’ s Administration before it becomes final . However , due to a pending lawsuit against the North Carolina Board of Dentistry regarding its policy restricting tooth whitening as the practice of dentistry , the SBOD is postponing implementation of its policy statement until the lawsuit is settled .
Regulating the Administration of Botox and Dermal Fillers
The SBOD drafted a policy statement stating that it considers it the practice of dentistry when Botox products and dermal fillers are administered to the structures associated with the human teeth or jaws , or associated structures . If passed , this policy statement will provide more guidance to licensees and the public about what is acceptable in the dental office . Dentists who choose to perform this service must be properly trained and obtain informed consent from patients . Stay turned for more information once this policy statement is approved and enacted .
10 September / October 2010 • Pennsylvania Dental Journal