NEW Dentistry Administrative Rules Promulgated

Deep down beneath Michigan's dental shortages and unaffordable prices, one finds rule changes like this one.

Helping the real-life problems? 

Or the cause of them?

December 7, 2023

 The Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL) within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) would like to inform you that the new Dentistry Administrative Rules were effective as of October 2, 2023.  A list of the notable changes is below. This is not intended to provide a comprehensive listing of all changes or current requirements. Licensees should review the rules and statute for a complete understanding of all applicable requirements.

The rule changes include: 

Part 1: General Provisions: The rules modify the term used to describe an unregistered dental assistant from dental assistant to unregistered dental auxiliary (UDA) as dental assistant is a protected term in the Code. The rules require a dental treatment record to include the patient’s current health status as classified by the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification system (ASAPS), as well as photographic images taken in the course of treatment.

Part 2 Licensure: The rules have been modified to require applicants for licensure to meet the requirements in the Public Health Code-General Rules, including complying with, a minimum English language requirement, and an implicit bias training requirement; require applicants for licensure to submit proof of current certification in basic advanced cardiac life support (BLS) or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) for health care providers with a hands-on component, earned within the 2 year period prior to receiving the license; broaden the paths for licensure for licensure applicants by examination or endorsement who attended an educational program that does not comply with the standards in the rules; include individuals authorized to practice dentistry in other states to supervise during dental therapy clinical practice in an educational program; require a dental assistant to pass both the clinical and written portion of the state’s examination within 18 months of taking either examination, and retake both parts of the examination if he or she fails either part 3 successive times; require applicants for a limited license to attend 1 hour of infection control training; require applicants for endorsement and relicensure to disclose all licenses with other entities, report current discipline or sanctions on a license, have either BSL or ACLS, and meet the human trafficking training requirement, English language requirement, and implicit bias training; and allow licensure by endorsement for an applicant licensed in Canada.

Part 3 Education: The education requirements have been updated to ensure that licensees are appropriately educated and trained.

Part 4A Delegation, Supervision, Assignment of UDAs, RDAs, and RDHs: The rule changes require a dentist to see a patient of record at least once every 24 months if duties will be delegated or assigned; require a UDA to have BSL or ACLS, and 1 hour of infection control before being delegated or assigned duties; and limit delegation and assignment to those duties included in Table 1 in the rules.

Part 5 Specialties: The rules add specialty licenses and require a licensee who holds a specialty license to notify the Department of any action that results in a suspension or revocation of a certification by an American board.

Part 6A General Anesthesia and Sedation: The rules modify the training requirements for a dentist that administers or collaboratively provides general anesthesia, deep, moderate, or minimal sedation with a physician, anesthesiologist, dentist, or nurse anesthetist.

Part 6B Telehealth: The rules address consent and prescribing medication during a telehealth visit.

Part 7 Continuing Education: The rules clarify the following: 20 hours of live courses may be earned through in-person or virtual continuing education; licensees may not earn continuing education credit for an implicit bias training; and a request for a waiver of continuing education must be filed with the department at least 30 days prior to the last regularly scheduled board meeting before the expiration date of the license. The proposed rules are designed to ensure that dental professionals have appropriate on-going training to protect the citizens they serve.

Part 8 Dental Amalgam: The rule was modified to comply with current drafting standards.

....

Our office is diligently working on updating relative information on our website to reflect the revisions of the revised rules.  For more information, please visit our website at www.michigan.gov/bpl.

Please send questions about the revised rules to BPLHELP@michigan.gov.

Thank you,

Bureau of Professional Licensing

Licensing Division

517-241-0199

Am I the only one thinking, "How about we just let people get the job done?"