DQAC Update

Upcoming Rules Hearing

Continuing Education Requirements

The Commission will hold a rules hearing on April 20, 2018 for WAC 246-817-440 Dentist Continuing Education Requirements. The proposed rule amendments update continuing education (CE) requirements for licensed dentists. The proposed amendments clarify CE subject matter, describes different ways to obtain CE, the number of hours a license dentist may devote to specific CE activities, and identifies mandatory CE of a dental jurisprudence examination. Additionally, the proposed rule amendment changes the reporting period of CE from 21 hours annually to 63 hours every three years.

Dentist Suicide Prevention Education

The Commission will also hold a rules hearing on April 20, 2018 for WAC 246-817-441 Dentist Suicide Prevention Education. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill (E2SHB)1612 (chapter 262, Laws of 2017) amends RCW 43.70.442 directing the Dental Quality Assurance Commission to adopt rules to establish a one-time continuing education and training requirement for dentists on suicide prevention education. The proposed amendments require dentists to take a one-time, three –hour training in suicide assessment that includes screening, referral, and imminent harm via lethal means. 

Both rules will have a hearing on Friday, April 20, 2018 at 9:35 am at the Department of Health, 310 Israel Rd. SE, Tumwater, WA 98501.

Current Rules in Progress

Infection Control

The Commission has determined current dental infection control standards may be outdated and amendments are necessary to ensure standards are followed to prevent disease transmission in oral healthcare. DQAC’s Dental Infection Control Committee is working to finalize proposed rule language. Please send comments to DQAC’s Program Manager Jennifer Santiago for consideration. 

Dental Anesthesia

The Commission is considering amendments to update general requirements for the administration of anesthetic agents for dental procedures. In addition to general updates, the Commission is also considering amendments to address 24-hour on-call availability after a complex dental procedure, on-site inspections for all dentists holding sedation permits, and creation of a pediatric sedation endorsement. DQAC’s Dental Anesthesia Committee is currently working on proposed rule amendments, please look for meeting notices to participate in this work. 

Delegation to Dental Hygienists Under General Supervision

The Commission is currently considering allowing dental hygienists to perform certain tasks under general supervision that are currently performed by dental assistants under close supervision (WAC 246-817-520). DQAC’s Dental Collaboration Committee is currently working on proposed rule amendments, please look for meeting notices to participate in this work.

Specialty Representation

In response to a rules petition, the Commission is considering amendments to Washington’s rule regarding recognized specialties to include the American Board of Dental Specialties (ABDS) boards/areas of specialty and other potential specialties. DQAC’s Continuing Competency Committee will be working on proposed rule amendments, please look for meeting notices to participate in this work. 

In order to receive meeting notices and updates regarding rules and regulations affecting your profession, sign up for the interested parties email list today!

More information on these rule changes can be found online on the Department of Health’s website. All public comments should be submitted to DQAC’s Program Manager Jennifer Santiago at jennifer.santiago@doh.wa.gov.

^{*Source: Department of Health, Dentist-Rules in Progress. Accessed on 3/13/18 at https://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/ProfessionsNewReneworUpdate/Dentist/RulesinProgress}