Dentistry & Law

ALBANY, New York – On July 26, 2006, Governor George Pataki signed into law Chapter 300 of the laws of 2006 (effective January 22, 2007), which revolutionized the profession of certified dental assisting in New York State and brought New York in line with many other states in allowing expanded duties for dental auxiliaries.

CHICAGO, Illinois – The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) wholeheartedly supports and extends its appreciation to Congress for increasing the Title VII health professions programs in the recently passed Joint Funding resolution (H.J.Res. 20) that will fund the federal government through the remainder of fiscal year 2007. The resolution provided $185 million for the Title VII health professions programs, an increase of $40 million over fiscal year 2006. The additional Title VII funds include an $8 million increase for primary care medicine and dentistry programs, up to $48 million.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – The rush for passports to meet new American requirements for all air travel between the US and Canada has had an impact on the 1700 dental practices around British Columbia. The link? Each passport application must be signed by a guarantor who can confirm the person?s identity, and with the long term relationship that patients have with their dentists, there has been a steady demand for this service in dental offices since late 2006.

SACRAMENTO, California – With the results of his recently commissioned occupational survey of oral and maxillofacial surgery in hand, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed SB 438 into law, thereby permitting oral and maxillofacial surgeons, based on their education and training, to perform elective facial cosmetic procedures.

WILSONVILLE, Oregon – Former Governor John Kitzhaber told the Senate Commission on Health Care Access and Affordability that the time has come to reform Oregon’s health care system. The Commission held its latest meeting at the Oregon Dental Association’s headquarters in Wilsonville.

ALBANY, New York – Governor Pataki has signed New York State Dental Association (NYSDA) -introduced legislation (S.3304e/A.7369e), which will permit certified dental assistants to perform any non-invasive, reversible supportive procedure for a dentist in his or her performance of dental services authorized under the Dental Practice Act. It eliminates the need to employ a “laundry list” approach to services performable by assistants.

WILSONVILLE, Oregon – The rumor mill as switched into high gear as next year's deadline for obtaining a National Provider Indentifier (NPI) approaches. Not since the early days of HIPAA has a program caused the spread of more misinformation. The following are some fallacies and facts about NPIs.

WASHINGTON, District of Columbia – The American Dental Association (ADA), joining a number of other health care provider and consumer groups, today called on Congress to pass new bipartisan legislation to help patients make more informed decisions about their care.

ALBANY, New York – This bill amends the definition of the practice of certified dental assisting to eliminate the list of duties, replacing it with an exclusionary statement prohibiting certain duties. It permits certified dental assistants to perform non-invasive, reversible supportive procedures for a dentist in his or her performance of dental services authorized under the dental practice act. It will enable dental assistants to better assist dentists by more fully utilizing their skills and training, thereby better serving the public’s needs for oral health care.

ALBANY, New York – Legislation is pending that would enable New York’s dental assistants to perform the supportive procedures they are trained and qualified to perform in dental offices. The bill numbers are S.3304c and A.7369c.