A Message from The Arizona Board of Dental Examiners
The Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners 2021 triennial renewal season is upon us and we would like to take this opportunity to share *New* information with you to help make the process easier. The triennial renewal application for dentists, hygienists and denturists is available on the Board’s renewal page of its website. In accordance with A.R.S. §§ 32-1236, 32-1287 and 32-1297.06 every licensee shall submit to the board a complete renewal application and pay a license renewal fee.
Making a Difference in Oral Health One Cigarette at a Time
It is an exciting time to be a dental hygienist. There are so many new opportunities to use your oral health knowledge and experience outside of the operatory. For all the current dental hygiene students reading this, you may be thinking you never want to go to school again when this is over (I know I did). However, an associate degree may not be enough.
April 2020: Board of Dental Examiner’s Update
One agenda item discussed was the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPR) where one decision BODEX made, regarding dental therapy, was to set licensing fees:
- Initial, prorated fee: $80 (compared to $55 for DH)
- Triennial renewal: $375 (compared to $255 for DH)
- Jurisprudence exam: $200 (compared to $100 for DH)
- Licensure by credential: $1500 (compared to $1000 for DH)
There was much discussion about reducing all fees due to the ever-growing BODEX fund but ultimately no changes were made relevant to this version of the proposed rules.
Another discussion was in regard to COVID-19 – implementing Governor Ducey’s March 22 Executive Order (EO) Continuity of Work: The board clarified the following:
- For those of us renewing this year – we will have an extra six months –
until the end of December. This doesn’t mean you have to wait or that there is any special benefit to wait as our renewal fees this year are waived anyway due to previous legislation. This just allows extra time to get your CEs.
- Relevant to CEs – per the Governor’s EO, there will be NO limitations
for online (asynchronous) CEs
- Relevant to CPR – they waived the requirement that online courses must include a physical component – just the online course will suffice.
- Staff is working on a process to issue provisional licenses per the EO
The board waived the initial, prorated licensing fees and jurisprudence exam fees (except for the $35 online exam fee which actually goes to the exam provider, ProMetrics) for anyone (e.g. 2020 grads) seeking initial licensure in the state as long as the EO is still in effect. That would mean a $155 savings for the 2020 dental hygiene grads who take advantage of the provisional
licensing process. Board staff will use their own judgement regarding those who are already in the process of licensing.
Furthermore, BODEX determined they needed to address whether or not COVID-19 testing can legally be done by dentists and dental hygienists. This would be other than those volunteers or entities covered under the Governor’s recent EO Good Samaritan Order. Sean Murphy, the new ED for AzDA asked for this to be added to a future agenda to discuss and decide.
Trinity Cleveland, District XI Trustee
It’s that time of year to demonstrate your commitment to your ADHA! And there are ton of ways you can participate. Annual Conference this year will be in Phoenix June 18-20th. There is a very comprehensive safety plan that has been approved by the City of Phoenix, but if you prefer a virtual event, you have that option as well! The virtual event is being held June 28-30th
What’s Up at the Capitol
As the 2021 AZ legislative session nears its end, we are happy to report that HB2547, introduced by Representative Justin Wilmeth on behalf of AzDHA was signed by the governor on April 9th. The changes to our practice act that will go into effect 90 days after the legislature adjourns include:
ZOOM IN with a Registered Dental Hygienist
Teledentistry – Dignity Health, First Teeth First
February is Children’s Dental Health month so it is fitting for me to tell you about our children’s oral health program. The First Teeth First Program is a community based program providing services to children 0-5 years of age and expectant mothers at no charge. Services provided include an oral screening, anticipatory guidance, goal
setting, and referral and care coordination, provided by a registered dental hygienist and promotora. Before the
COVID-19 pandemic, the program operated in person at WIC clinics (Women, Infant, and Children), pediatrician’s
offices, OBGYN offices and childcares.
The Story of Dental Therapy
Many years ago, when the profession of Dental Hygiene was born in the United States, Dental Therapy was being born in New Zealand. Recently some states have legalized Dental Therapy (and New Zealand has adopted Dental Hygiene!)
When Dental Therapy was started in Australia and New Zealand, the therapists worked in schools on children. They could meet most of the dental needs of children. The services were supported by the government. The Therapists were paid a salary not based on procedures. Adults were cared for in private dental
April 2020: Board of Dental Examiner’s Update
One agenda item discussed was the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPR) where one decision BODEX made, regarding dental therapy, was to set licensing fees:
- Initial, prorated fee: $80 (compared to $55 for DH)
- Triennial renewal: $375 (compared to $255 for DH)
- Jurisprudence exam: $200 (compared to $100 for DH)
- Licensure by credential: $1500 (compared to $1000 for DH)
There was much discussion about reducing all fees due to the ever-growing BODEX fund but ultimately no changes were made relevant to this version of the proposed rules.
Another discussion was in regard to COVID-19 – implementing Governor Ducey’s March 22 Executive Order (EO) Continuity of Work: The board clarified the following:
- For those of us renewing this year – we will have an extra six months –
until the end of December. This doesn’t mean you have to wait or that there is any special benefit to wait as our renewal fees this year are waived anyway due to previous legislation. This just allows extra time to get your CEs.
- Relevant to CEs – per the Governor’s EO, there will be NO limitations
for online (asynchronous) CEs
- Relevant to CPR – they waived the requirement that online courses must include a physical component – just the online course will suffice.
- Staff is working on a process to issue provisional licenses per the EO
The board waived the initial, prorated licensing fees and jurisprudence exam fees (except for the $35 online exam fee which actually goes to the exam provider, ProMetrics) for anyone (e.g. 2020 grads) seeking initial licensure in the state as long as the EO is still in effect. That would mean a $155 savings for the 2020 dental hygiene grads who take advantage of the provisional
licensing process. Board staff will use their own judgement regarding those who are already in the process of licensing.
Furthermore, BODEX determined they needed to address whether or not COVID-19 testing can legally be done by dentists and dental hygienists. This would be other than those volunteers or entities covered under the Governor’s recent EO Good Samaritan Order. Sean Murphy, the new ED for AzDA asked for this to be added to a future agenda to discuss and decide.
Local Component’s of AzDHA
CENTRAL ARIZONA
SOUTHERN ARIZONA
Contact: Mindy Rogers jumiordragster7232@gmail.com
Thank you to the following companies for their support of the AzDHA
