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 ( meetings are still being held virtually due to COVID ). 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 publish in the Journal ( time permitting ). 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 .
Want to find out more about what goes on at SBOD meetings ? Check out the Advocacy section on PDA ’ s website for comprehensive meeting summaries : http :// www . padental . org / Online / Advocacy / SBOD _ Regulatory _ Issues / SBOD _ Regulatory _ Issues . aspx
WHAT HAS HAPPENED SO FAR IN 2021 ?
PHDHP Practice Site Location In January , new regulations took effect expanding public health dental hygiene practitioners ( PHDHP ) practice site locations to include childcare settings . The regulations also allow PHDHPs to practice in primary care settings ( i . e . physicians ’ offices ), but only if they are located in designated dental health professional shortage areas . The Department of Health designates shortage areas in Pennsylvania .
The law enacted in 2007 does not change a PHDHPs scope of practice . Hygienists with permits to practice as PHDHPs are not allowed to examine , diagnose or render treatment plans in any setting . That remains with the dentists ’ scope of practice , both in the Dental Practice Act and the regulations . They are allowed to practice to the full extent of hygienists ’ scope of practice outline in SBOD regulations in approved public settings .
License and Permit Application Fees The SBOD voted to delay an increase in license and permit application fees for the 2021-22 renewal period due . However , it is likely the board will revisit the issue and promulgate draft regulations raising license and permit applications for the next renewal period ( 2023-24 ) to operate with a balanced budget , as required under Pennsylvania law . PDA will continue to monitor and respond to the board ’ s proposed rulemaking during the regulatory process .
General Revisions The SBOD is reviewing existing regulations with the goal of updating any outdated and obsolete provisions . The proposed rulemaking would generally amend , update and clarify regulations relating to fictitious names , biennial renewal , inactive status , reactivation , licensure by criteria approval , acceptable proof of professional liability insurance , use of titles , advertising , unprofessional conduct , multi-disciplinary professional corporations and continuing dental education . There will be a brand-new requirement for dentists to install an AED in their offices .
Act 41 ( provisional licenses ) All licensing boards under the Department of State ’ s Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs have been busy implementing Act 41 of 2019 . This law allows the SBOD and other boards to issue provisional licensees to certain out-ofstate applicants so that they can practice in Pennsylvania for a limited time while satisfying any outstanding requirements or issues before the SBOD grants a regular license .
According to the BPOA ’ s website , “ If a board ’ s existing endorsement / reciprocity options do not provide a means of licensure , applicants who hold a license in another state or country will be given Act 41 consideration on a case-by-case basis . A board subcommittee will consider whether an applicant for a provisional license :
• Holds the same or similar license in another jurisdiction whose licensing requirements are substantially equivalent to that of Pennsylvania .
• Is in good standing with the other jurisdiction .
• Demonstrates competency in the occupation or profession .
• Meets other administrative and background requirements .
WHAT ’ S ON THE HORIZON FOR 2022 AND BEYOND ?
The SBOD may explore and regulate these issues … stay tuned !
• Dental hygienists using lasers
• Dentists performing Botox procedures on patients
• Dentists ’ role in treating patients with sleep apnea
• Hygienists administering nitrous oxide
• Delegation of digital impressions
• Telehealth orthodontia services
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 23