New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules Den - Board of Dental Examiners
Overview
The Board of Dental Examiners is responsible for ensuring that dental professionals in New Hampshire provide safe, competent, and ethical care to the public. The rules are created under the authority granted by state law and detail how the Board operates, how dentists get licensed, what standards they must follow, and how disciplinary actions are handled.
Key Areas Covered in the Rules:
1. Authority and Purpose
The Board operates under the state's dental practice law (RSA 317-A).
The rules clarify how the Board enforces laws related to dental practice.
Their purpose is to protect the public by regulating who can practice dentistry and ensuring quality standards.
2. Definitions
The rules include definitions to clarify terms such as:
Dentist: A person licensed to practice dentistry.
Dental Hygienist: A licensed professional who provides preventive dental care.
Practice of Dentistry: Includes diagnosing, treating, and preventing oral diseases, performing dental surgery, prescribing medication, etc.
Unprofessional Conduct: Actions that violate the ethical or legal standards of dentistry.
3. Board Composition and Operation
The Board includes licensed dentists appointed by the Governor and public members.
Members serve fixed terms and meet regularly to review applications, handle disciplinary cases, and develop rules.
4. Licensing Requirements
To practice dentistry in New Hampshire, applicants must meet several requirements:
Education
Graduate from an accredited dental school (usually accredited by the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation).
Examinations
Pass a national dental exam (such as the National Board Dental Examination).
Pass a clinical licensing exam approved by the Board, which may include a regional or state-specific clinical test.
Application
Submit an application with:
Proof of education.
Exam results.
Character references.
Pay applicable fees.
5. Dental Hygienist Licensure
Similar educational and examination requirements apply for dental hygienists.
Hygienists must also practice under the supervision of a licensed dentist unless allowed to perform certain tasks independently (according to state rules).
6. Scope of Practice
The rules clearly define what dentists and dental hygienists can and cannot do, such as:
Dentists may diagnose and treat oral diseases, perform surgery, prescribe medication.
Hygienists generally provide preventive care like cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatment.
Some tasks require direct supervision by a dentist.
7. Standards of Practice and Professional Conduct
Licensed professionals must follow ethical standards prioritizing patient welfare.
Dentists and hygienists must keep patient records confidential.
Professionals must maintain competency through continuing education.
Advertising and fee practices must be truthful and not misleading.
8. Continuing Education
Dentists and dental hygienists must complete a certain number of continuing education hours (CE) within a renewal cycle (usually every 2 years).
CE must be approved by the Board and relevant to the practice.
Failure to complete CE can lead to license suspension or non-renewal.
9. License Renewal
Licenses are renewed biennially.
Renewal requires:
Proof of completed CE.
Payment of renewal fees.
Disclosure of any disciplinary or legal actions since last renewal.
10. Disciplinary Procedures
The Board investigates complaints involving:
Professional misconduct.
Negligence or incompetence.
Fraud or misrepresentation.
Substance abuse affecting practice.
Process involves:
Receiving and reviewing complaints.
Conducting investigations.
Holding hearings if necessary.
Imposing penalties, including license suspension, revocation, fines, or probation.
11. Unprofessional Conduct Examples
Specific examples of conduct that may lead to discipline include:
Practicing under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Practicing without a valid license.
Gross negligence or incompetence.
Fraudulent billing or record falsification.
Sexual misconduct with patients.
12. Dental Facility Regulations
Some rules cover the operation of dental offices, including sanitation, infection control, and equipment standards.
Inspections may be conducted to ensure compliance.
13. Emergency Dental Care
The rules may outline how dental professionals should handle emergency care situations.
There are guidelines on temporary licensure for out-of-state dentists providing emergency services during disasters.
14. Rulemaking and Public Participation
The Board can propose new rules or amendments.
Proposed changes go through a public comment period.
Final rules are filed and enforced by the Board.
Summary
The New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules for the Board of Dental Examiners sets the legal and ethical framework for the dental profession in the state. It ensures dentists and hygienists are qualified, competent, and held accountable for their actions, ultimately protecting public health and safety.
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