Government Relations
who try to swindle money from the elderly . The Department developed resources for health care providers to assist with the detection of elder abuse , whether it is physical , mental or financial . The Department requested the SBOD ’ s assistance in communicating the availability of these resources to all dentists and their staff .
SBOD Questions Efficacy of Licensing Testing Agencies The Licensure Committee recommended a review of all dental licensing testing agencies ’ policies and procedures to ascertain whether they meet the SBOD ’ s standards for initial licensure . There is some concern that some testing agencies do not adequately assess dental students ’ competency .
The SBOD has listened to presentations from representatives from the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments ( CDCA ), the American Board of Dental Examiners ( ADEX ), the Central Regional Dental Testing Services ( CRDTS ), and the Western Regional Examining Board ( WREB ). They presented information about testing material and requirements , the process in which examiners are selected , and scoring procedures and methods in which they pass or fail candidates for dental licensure . The SBOD ’ s Licensure Committee will continue its dialogue as to whether there is a need for the SBOD to amend current regulations accepting all licensure examinations . Changes to existing licensing testing requirements will need to be introduced as proposed regulations and move through the process , which generally takes at least two years before completion .
EFDAs to Take Clinical Exam in Near Future The SBOD believes that Pennsylvania regulations requiring a written examination only do not adequately assess the clinical competency of expanded function dental assistants ( EFDAs ). The committee recommended to the board that it amend current regulations to require EFDAs to pass a written exam and a clinical exam administered by the CDCA ( or its successor ), or a similar examination administered by an entity approved by the board . The board unanimously passed this motion . The board projects the cost of the clinical examination to be approximately $ 700 . Stakeholders and others will have the opportunity to comment on the proposed regulatory change .
SBOD Takes Lead on Child Abuse Regulations The Office of General Counsel ( OGC ) is moving the child abuse regulations for the SBOD through the regulatory process before all of the other 25 boards tasked with promulgating child abuse regulations . The SBOD ’ s regulations will serve as the model for the other licensing boards . The regulations reflect the legislature ’ s changes to the Child Protective Services Act which require licensees to obtain two continuing education hours biennially .
10 JULY / AUGUST 2018 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL