Fall 2011 - North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners

sedation and anesthesia PerMit holdersState boards have the responsibility to establish rulesand regulations not only for professional licensure, butalso for adjunct services that the profession offers, such asanesthesia and sedation. Wide variation between state dentalboard requirements and private sector sedation educationprotocols can lead to practitioner confusion and frustration.The different standards that each body establishes mayrepresent different priorities and create difficulty for thepractitioner to understand what is expected of him/her topractice sedation and anesthesia.The NDSBDE administrative protocol for review ofanesthesia and sedation permits is structured in accordancewith the ADA’s Guidelines for Teaching Pain Control andSedation to dentists and dental students. Additionally, theBoard has adopted rules which support continuing educationrequirements specific to qualified dentists permitted toadminister sedation or anesthesia.Once a completed application for the anesthesia/sedation permit is received it, along with the continuingeducation and clinical training of the practitioner, is reviewedby the Board’s Anesthesia Application Committee. Thepractitioner must be current with ACLS. The practitionermust also be current with PALS if providing anesthesia topatients 12 and under. The Committee may grant temporaryand provisional privileges to the permit applicant if allrequirements of the application have been met.The applicant is then required to schedule and completean office inspection with the Anesthesia Committee withinninety days of application. Practitioners who fail to scheduleand complete the office evaluation within the ninetyday period may not provide anesthesia or sedation. Ananesthesia or sedation provider who establishes a satelliteoffice or new location must also request a site evaluation foreach site. Office inspections conducted as part of the AAOMScertification process may be considered in lieu of the officeevaluation required by the Board.Once the permit applicant has been granted temporaryand provisional sedation or anesthesia privileges,NDSBDE’s Anesthesia Committee conducts the scheduledsite evaluation within the required 90 day period. Carefulconsideration and review is given to patient selection andrecord keeping. Preoperative evaluation may be reviewedwith the practitioner consisting of a thorough review ofmedical records and current medications. The AnesthesiaCommittee may observe the dentist administeringanesthesia, equipment, and appropriately trained medicaland dental personnel conducting physiologic and visualmonitoring of the patient. Appropriate and readily availableemergency drugs are accounted for; emergency protocolsand adverse reaction protocols may be discussed with thepractitioner. A site evaluation also focuses on records anddocumentation including drugs used, dosages, vital signsmonitored and recovery from the anesthetic.Full sedation and/or anesthesia privileges are grantedonly after a successful site evaluation is completed. The siteevaluation must be completed every five years and is theresponsibility of the practitioner to schedule.Once a permit has been granted, the renewal processrequires a renewal application for anesthesia/sedation inconjunction with a renewal fee. All initial requirementssuch as PALS or ACLS must be current at the time of therenewal. Late fees are applicable after December 31st of therenewal year. The permit is renewed at the same time thedental license is renewed as required by statute. In review ofthe renewal application, required continuing education foranesthesia permit holders is also assessed by the AnesthesiaCommittee as well as a review of all auxiliary requirementssuch as BLS.Qualified dentists have a responsibility to minimizerisk to patients who consent to sedation or elevated levelsof anesthesia. Understanding these steps in obtainingsedation/anesthesia permits in North Dakota can make theprocess more efficient and less stressful for the applicant.Troy Petersen, DMD, MDProfessional CorPoration annual rePortsIs your dental practice organized as;A professional corporation?A professional limited liability company?A professional limited liability partnership?A foreign corporation authorized to transact business in this state?You may have noticed the question related to corporate annual reports on the latest dental renewal application. The questionserves as a reminder that a copy of the report must be submitted to the Board; a requirement of ND law. As mandated by NDCC § 10-31-13, when filing the organization’s annual report a copy must be filed with the regulatory board that licenses the shareholders describedin the report. No filing fee may be charged by the regulatory board. The information deemed relevant to the NDSBDE is for purposesof determining ownership of the dental practice as outlined by NDCC § 43-28-25 Subsection 9.If you have questions regarding Chapter 10-13 you may want to contact an attorney, or the North Dakota Secretary of State.Information can also be found at http://www.nd.gov/sos/businessserv/registrations/types/corporations/professional/annualreports.htmlPage 3

eduCation on Continuing eduCation!What is the reporting period for continuing education and howmany hours of continuing education do I need?The reporting period extends over two (2) years runningfrom January 1 through December of the each odd numberedyear for dentists and dental hygienists. The reporting period forregistered dental assistants is also every two (2) years runningfrom January 1 through December 31 of the each even numberedyear. Dentists must obtain a minimum of thirty two (32) hoursof continuing education, and dental hygienists and registereddental assistants must obtain a minimum of sixteen (16) hoursof continuing education. Only clinical continuing education willbe accepted by the Board. The Board recognizes that non clinicaleducation is important to the practice of dentistry. However, therequirement is for clinical CE only.May computer-based, home-study, correspondence, or videocourses be used to fulfill continuing education requirements?Yes. Continuing education credit will be given for computerbasedcourses, video courses, audio courses, reading, and/orcorrespondence/home study courses on a limited basis. Priorto taking such courses, it is highly recommended that licenseesobtain prior Board approval of any such courses on a course-bycoursebasis. A post-study examination must be a part of any of thecourses, and licensed dentists and dental hygienists shall ensurethey successfully complete and retain a copy of such post-studyexamination and any other documentation that would show proof ofattendance. In the event of a CE audit, the onus falls on the licenseeto show proof of completion for all continuing education courses.Where can I obtain Board-approved on-line continuingeducation courses?An excellent source of on-line continuing education isthrough the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB) orthe ADA. The NDSBDE is a member of this nationally-recognizedorganization, which derives its membership from other stateregulatory boards, specialty boards, and dental educators (www.dentalboards.org/ce/index.asp.) The NDSBDE also offers a 2hour credit for taking the online jurisprudence and ethics exam,available on the Board’s website; www.nddentalboard.org. Themultiple choice exam is open book and is offered at no charge tothe licensee. Because the exam is “no fail” the Board views this asan educational opportunity for licensees.Troubleshoot ‘log in’ problems regarding the onlinejurisprudence and ethics exam:Some licensees have had trouble logging in. An update hasbeen added to the website’s log in page to help with some of thecommon problems. Two of the most common issues have beenthat the “dash” is not entered in the social security number orthe licensee does not use the same name initially provided tothe board. The board only has one version of your name in thedatabase. The name you enter as you log in must match exactlywhat is entered in the database. The quickest way to find out whatname you have given the Board is to email or call the Board’soffice (ndsbde@aptnd.com or 701-258-8600). If the licensee is stillunable to log in, they may need to contact their tech support orinternet provider to find out how to lower their security settings.Unfortunately, for some reason, some computers will not work tolog in to the Board’s database.How many years should I keep my continuing educationrecords?Continuing education records must be maintained a minimumof three (3) years from the date of course attendance and shouldconsist of certificates of course completion or correspondencefrom course sponsors verifying course attendance. Check stubsand receipts may be helpful for income tax purposes but may notbe acceptable as adequate proof of attendance.Summary of CE requirements:The minimum number of hours required within a two-yearcycle for dentists is thirty-two. Of these hours, a dentist mayearn no more than sixteen hours from publications and onlineeducation. The minimum number of hours required within atwo-year cycle for hygienists and registered or qualified dentalassistants is sixteen. Of these hours, a registered or qualifieddental assistant or a dental hygienist may earn no more than eighthours from publications and online education.ü The continuing dental education hours will accumulateon the basis of one hour of credit for each hour spentin education. Subject matter directly related to clinicaldentistry will be accepted by the board without limit.ü 2 hours of ethics or jurisprudence (online and free!)ü 2 hours of infection controlü A cardiopulmonary resuscitation courseü For anesthesia permit holders, four hours related tosedation or anesthesia[psst….this does NOT include local anesthesia]Define “clinical” dental continuing education.Clinical continuing education is defined as clinical coursespertaining to the actual delivery of dental services to patientsor health issues as they pertain to dental care. If you wish to becertain your course will be accepted for clinical CE credit, contactthe Board’s office.surveY saYs…The survey that was conducted on the DentalEconomics Web site revealed some interesting findingsabout dentists and their relationships with state dentalboards. It’s incredible that many dentists do notunderstand the difference between their state dentalassociations and state dental boards.In the survey, 52% of dentists thought that the statedental board protects the interests of the dentists, 32%thought that the state dental board protects the interestsof the dentists and the public, and just 16% of dentistsactually got it right by knowing that the state dentalboard protects the public.Your state dental association represents andadvocates for dentists in your state. In other words, yourstate dental association works for you. Meanwhile,The Mission of the North Dakota State Board ofDental Examiners is to protect the dental health of thecitizens of North Dakota by regulating the practice ofdentistry, dental hygiene and dental assisting, throughthe enforcement of laws, rules and policies. Towardthis end, the board requires competency and ethicalbehavior in all areas of the practice of dentistry.Page 4

Central regionalDental testingserviCe, inC. UpDateCRDTSPresident, Dr.Tony Malaktarispassing theofficial CRDTSgavel to Dr.Deena Kuempelat the August2011 CRDTSAnnual Session.This past year has been very rewarding for me, both as a BoardMember and as a Dental Examiner. As the President of the CentralRegional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS), it was a very busy yearand I would like to update all of you on what is happening.To date, CRDTS has examined 752 dental candidates andmore than 1500 hygiene candidates. CRDTS continues to growwith several new test sites scheduled in the coming year. Ournew examination season begins in September for dentists utilizingmanikin testing followed by patient based testing in the spring.CRDTS currently is accepted for initial licensure in 41 statesand is made up of 17 member states. Each member state has arepresentative on the Steering Committee, which is the governingbody of CRDTS. In addition, each member state has representationon both the dental and hygiene Examination Review Committees,which are responsible for the development and changes made to theexaminations. With this kind of structure, each member state hasequal input into all aspects of examination development.This past year CRDTS completed a statistical report, compiledby Dr. Tom Haladyna, a measurement specialist. The reasonCRDTS had this report done was to show its member states thatthe examinations were in fact valid and reliable measurements ofwhat the candidates were being tested on. The complete report isavailable on CRDTS web site for anyone interested.CRDTS is working on an occupational analysis, which should bedone early next year. This study will show which procedures newgraduates are actually performing in the practice setting. Dr. GeneKramer, utilizing Subject Matter Experts in all areas of dentistry anddental hygiene, is completing this study. As with the statistical report,CRDTS hopes to show member states that CRDTS is truly testing thoseskill sets that entry-level practitioners will be performing in practice.If the report should show there are skill sets that are not being tested,they will be included in future examinations.As you can see there is much more involved with CRDTS thanjust the testing process. As a testing agency, CRDTS must continueto look at every aspect from examination development throughexamination administration in order to give its member statesassurance that dental and hygiene candidates for licensure haveproven they are competent and can begin practicing in the publicsetting. This is the fundamental goal of any State Board or TestingAgency and is designed for the protection of the public.A.G. Malaktaris, DDSWestern regionalexamining BoarDUpDateBy Rob Lauf, DDSWREB Completes Governance Restructuring and Elects NewBoard MembersIn the final step towards transition to the new governancestructure which has been under development for the last twoyears , members of the new WREB Board of Directors were electedby the Dental Exam Review Board (DERB) and Hygiene ExamReview Board(HERB) at their July meetings. The new members ofthe Board will take their seats effective at the next Board meetingin January 2012. Dr. Joe Zayas(TX) was also elected President.First Year of Dental Electronic Scoring CompletedAt the start of the 2011 examination season, WREB introducedits new Dental Electronic Scoring Software(DESS). As this examyear comes to a close, all involved are happy to report it was a greatsuccess. Examiners and staff are trained and find the softwareuser friendly and an improvement in exam efficiency and schoolsand candidates are delighted with the improved turnaround timeof results which has been as short as two days in some cases.West Virginia joins WREBAt the July meeting of the Board of Directors, West Virginiawas approved as WREB’s first affiliate member state. Affiliatemembers are states that accept WREB results and may provideexaminers and participate in committees. They do not have votingrights on the WREB Exam Review Board but may attend meetingsin an informational capacity. WREB welcomes West Virginia!Online Score RequestsBeginning in September 2011, candidates who need a scorereport from WREB can request them through the WREB website.Change of mailinganD BUsiness aDDressPlease make sure to inform the Board in writing of anychange of mailing and business address. The Board needsto maintain a current mailing and business address in orderto relay appropriate correspondence and information to itslicensees.The NDCC 43-28-23 requires “Within thirty days aftera licensed and registered dentist changes the dentist’s placeof business, the dentist shall notify the executive director ofthe board of the new address. ” Hygienists and registereddental assistants have similar statute requiring notification ofchange of home address.A change of address form is provided on the back of thisnewsletter. This form can be completed and mailed or faxedto the Board office.Page 5

Dental reCorDs:transfer of patient reCorDsTitle 23-12-14 (Copies of Medical Records).The board frequently receives complaints concerningthe ownership of patient records. Most often questions arisefrom patients who have been denied access to the medicalrecord for reasons such as an outstanding account balanceand occasionally, a dispute over records provided “free ofcharge” through practice promotion.Ownership: Patient records belong to the treatingpractitioner; however, the patient has an absolute rightto a copy of his/her patient records regardless of anyoutstanding account balance or duplication costs.North Dakota laws establish a patient’s right to see andreceive copies of his or her medical records, under specificconditions and/or requirements. The law states that thelicensed health care provider upon the request of a healthcare provider’s patient or any person authorized by a patient,provide a free copy of a patient’s health care records to ahealth care provider designated by the patient or the personauthorized by the patient if the records are requested for thepurpose of transferring that patient’s health care to another healthcare provider for the continuation of treatment. The health careprovider shall provide medical records and any associatedmedical bills either in paper or facsimile format at a chargeof no more than twenty dollars for the first twenty-five pagesand seventy-five cents per page after twenty-five pages orin an electronic, digital, or other computerized format at acharge of thirty dollars for the first twenty-five pages andtwenty-five cents per page after twenty-five pages. Thischarge includes any administration fee, retrieval fee, andpostage expense. To be clear, the practitioner may charge acopy fee (as provided for in Section 23-12-14) if the patient isnot requesting to transfer the record to another provider for thecontinuation of treatment.The Board’s position regarding the ownership andrelease of patient records as observed in the NorthDakota Century Code 43-28-18: Failing to releasecopies of dental or medical records requested bya patient of record or violating Section 23-12-14 isgrounds for disciplinary action.A patient record includes any document or combinationof documents that pertains to a patient’s medical/dentalhistory, diagnosis, prognosis, or medical/dental condition,and that is generated and maintained in the process of thepatient’s dental treatment. The record also includes financialrecords such as insurance claims and billing information.The obligation to provide a copy of records existswhether or not the patient’s account is paid in full or whetheror not the service provided was offered as complimentary(some practitioners may advertise to attract new patientsby offering “free” services such as radiographs andexams). Since the patient has an absolute right to a copyof his/her records, a dentist may not ignore a request forrecords due to an unpaid balance for services rendered orunder circumstances where such records were generatedwithout charge. Further, a dentist cannot demand paymentfor copies up front. The dentist may add the fee for copiesto the unpaid balance, and include this in any claim forreimbursement, but records cannot be held hostage forpayment of any kind.a fonD fareWell“Now let’s see how she writes that up”, was a likely comment from Dr. Dohmsto the executive director about how future minutes might look when discussionsof the BODE were a bit dicey. The Board will miss those comments amazinglyplaced at the most interesting moments. I would like to thank Dale Dohms onbehalf of the Board for ten years of service to the NDSBDE. After March 15, 2012Dr. Dohms will have a little more time to spend with his family, hunting withhis son, plowing something up, or maybe seeing more patients? The Board willsincerely miss his leadership, attention to detail, his knowledge of Parliamentaryprocedures and ability to move the agenda along. Dr. Dohms brought levityto the Board at times when it was most needed. Thank you for your wit andwisdom Dale! But most all we will always admire his fairness and dedication tothe Board’s mission of protecting the public.The Board would also like to recognize our public member, Jackie Velk whoretired from the NDSBDE and has ventured on to work in the Minot office ofSenator John Hoeven. Jackie, an excellent member and servant for the public willalso be missed.Page 6Yours truly, Rita SommersPresident Rob Lauf presents award for 10 yearsof service to Dale Dohms, DMD.

disCiPlinarY aCtionsThe Complaint Committee of the North Dakota State Boardof Dental Examiners is charged with processing all complaintspresented to the Board (except those in which it is alleged apractitioner is an immediate threat to the public). Complaintsagainst licensees originate from many sources includingpatients, patients’ family members, other practitioners, ormedical malpractice insurance companies. The Board mayalso initiate action on its own motion if it becomes aware of apossible violation of the Dental Practice Act.Following a completed investigation process, the Boardmay move to take action against an individual’s license andcertificate of registration. The action may be in the form ofrevocation of license, suspension of license, or a letter of censureor reprimand. The Committee may also recommend termsfor settlement of an initiated disciplinary action. The Boardconsiders all cases in which an allegation has been substantiated.A recommendation for discipline or dismissal of the complaintis developed based on information obtained by the committee.This recommendation process is conducted by the full Boardin consultation with the Board’s legal counsel. Under somecircumstances additional investigation may be recommendedby the Board.If the Board recommends disciplinary action (such assuspension or revocation) a settlement agreement may beoffered to the licensee. If a Settlement Agreement cannot beagreed upon, the case may be heard before an AdministrativeLaw Judge who conducts a formal hearing and submits hisrecommended order to the Board. The Board may or may notaccept the Administrative Law Judge’s recommendation indetermining its final disposition of the complaint through afinal order. The practitioner may appeal the Board’s final order.At its September 15, 2011 meeting, the Board voted thatdisciplinary actions taken by the Board within the last twentyfourmonths be included in the NDSBDE’s annual newsletters.Currently the Board has eleven complaints that are underreview and deliberation. In addition two disciplinary actionsare pending.The board has taken action against the following licenseesand registrations within the past 24 months.First name Last Name License number Action DateJames Marotzke, DDS 1488 Settlement 3-Mar-11David Klein, DDS 1490 Suspension 2-Feb-11Laura Bergquist, RDA 143 Letter of reprimand 16-Sep-10William Krivarchka, DDS 1591 Revocation 9-Nov-09James O’Connell, DDS 1635 Letter of reprimand 9-Nov-09dentist and hYgienist liCense reneWal beginsThe renewal of licenses online during the previous renewal cycle was a moderate success according to the Board’s office staff.Dentists and hygienists will once again able to renew online for the 2012-2013 renewal cycle starting in October 2011. Dentists andhygienists should have received the renewal notice with instructions for renewing on-line. If you have not received the renewal forms,please contact the Board immediately. The Board encourages the online renewal to expedite the renewal process and as a conveniencefor licensees.Fees for renewal have not changed since the last cycle. Fees for dentists are $400.00 while an anesthesia permit fee is $200.00.Renewal for dental hygienists is $150.00. Proof of CE (UNLESS THE CE WAS PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED TO THE BOARD) and therenewal fee must be submitted with the renewal application, for each application to be complete and avoid late fees (see below). Accessto the online renewal website will not be available after the deadline of December 31, 2011.WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T’ RENEW ON TIME?If you have not renewed online or by filling out the renewal sent to you via USPS postmarked by December 31, 2011 and/or ifcontinuing education documentation information has not been submitted prior to this date, you are subject to late fees. If you have notsubmitted the renewal, your license has expired, and YOU MAY NOT PRACTICE DENTISTRY/DENTAL HYGIENE.An opportunity to renew the license under a 60 day grace period exists, however, until the license is renewed by the Board, thedentist or dental hygienist may not practice.After the 60 day grace period, the licensee may not renew the license and must REAPPLY for licensure.Page 7

annual rePort of the north daKotastate board of dental exaMinersJuly 15, 2011The Mission of the North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners is to protect the dental health of the citizens of North Dakotaby regulating the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene through the enforcement of laws, rules and policies. The board requirescompetency and ethical behavior in all areas of the practice of dentistry.2011 OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE NDSBDERob Lauf, DDS, President (term expires 6-30-2013)MayvilleTroy Petersen, DMD, MD, President-Elect (term expires 3-15-2014)Grand ForksDale Dohms, DMD, Past President (term expires 3-15-2012)MinotJackie Velk, Public Member, Treasurer (term expires 3-15-2013)MinotDale Brewster, DDS, Member (term expires 3-15-2016)StanleyCathy Cornell, RDH, Member (term expires 3-15-2016)FargoTony Malaktaris, DDS, Member (term expires 3-15-2015)MandanThe Board is comprised of five committees; Legislative,Complaints, Continuing Education, Anesthesia andApplication Review. Responsibilities of committee chairsinclude ensuring that matters directed to committees areaddressed in a timely fashion and reporting committee workat quarterly meetings. The process for selecting a committeemembers and chairs occurs annually by affirmative consensusof members of the Board. The efficiency of the Board canbe attributed to a balance within the Board’s structure;committee work is distributed among members. Chairs ofthose committees and highlights of activities are as follows:LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEEChair: Dale Dohms, DMD & Rob Lauf, DDSThe latest amendments to the Administrative Rulesaddress issues recently confronted by the Board. Even so,public health policy initiatives, dental healthcare and accessissues continue to dominate the public agenda. The Board hasproactively responded legislatively to many of these issueswith an emphasis to be supportive of efforts where licensedand trained individuals may provide services for our citizens.The NDSBDE recognizes that while oral health of NorthDakotans has improved substantially in recent decades,some segments of the population unfortunately continueto face challenges overcoming barriers to dental care. TheBoard continues its work to collaborate with dental healthentities and providers to assure that competent and trainedpractitioners enter the dental workforce providing serviceswithin the scope and training of their dental education.Requirements for a volunteer license to practice dentistrywere amended to exempt dentists from the obligation to treatpatients outside of the volunteer practice setting. Clarificationwas also given to requirements for permit applicants,license by examination and license by credential applicants.Hygienists or registered dental assistants may now orallytransmit prescriptions authorized by the supervising dentist.It is illegal for any other dental office employee, such as areceptionist, or non-registered assistant to call a prescription into a North Dakota pharmacy and it is illegal for any pharmacistto fill prescriptions called in by someone not authorized by law.Continuing education requirements were amended includinga requirement for ethics and/or jurisprudence.COMPLAINT COMMITTEEChair: Dale Brewster, DDSThe Board addressed a total of eighty-two (82) complaintsin the period of July 15, 2010 through July 15, 2011 includingfifty-five (55) complaints related to the closing of the FargoAllCare clinic. The Board suspended one license, issued oneletter of reprimand, and entered into a Settlement agreementwith one practitioner. In addition the Board currently has twopending actions. The complaints are comprised of misleadingadvertising, standard of care issues, and unprofessionalconduct. In addition to consulting Administrative Coderevisions, the Board also refers to the ADA’s Principles of Ethicsand Code of Professional Conduct for guidance in processingcomplaints. A link to the ADA’s Code can be found on theBoard’s web site. Dr. Dale Brewster (Stanley) continued toprovide outstanding leadership as the Chair of the ComplaintCommittee during the past year.CONTINUING EDUCATIONChair: Catherine Cornell, RDHMost inquiries related to the revisions of code are in regardto new continuing education requirements. Continuing educationhas been amended to increase allowable online learning and addtwo hours of ethics or jurisprudence education per CE cycle. Inthe event of audit, proof of online education, such as a certificatePage 8

of completion, will be required by the Board. Sponsors of anycontinuing education program must assure courses being offered areapproved by the NDSBDE’s CE Committee by submitting programcontent information and outlines as well as presenter CVs. Inquiriesregarding approval may be submitted directly to the Board.ANESTHESIA COMMITTEEChair: Troy Petersen, DMD, MDThe NDSBDE recognizes that dentists who lack appropriateeducation and training for such procedures put patients atrisk. For this reason, different levels of sedation privileges (A,B, C, and D) require different levels of advanced educationand training, as well as additional obligations for personnel,facilities and equipment. The Board receives many inquiriesregarding minimal sedation requirements. When nitrousoxide/oxygen is used in combination with any additionalsingle enteral drug, a minimal sedation permit is required. TheBoard appreciates Dr. Troy Petersen’s (Grand Forks) guidanceas chair of the NDSBDE Anesthesia Committee.Anesthesia permit statistics for 7/15/2010 - 7/14/2011Type of permitNumber of permitsGeneral anesthesia/deep sedation (A) 25Moderate parenteral sedation (B) 5Moderate enteral sedation (C) 3Minimal sedation permit (D) 4APPLICATION REVIEW COMMITTEEChair: Dale Dohms, DMDThis Committee reviews applications when licenseeshave reported any action taken by law enforcement or othersanctioning bodies. The committee monitors the licensestatus and events which may influence public safety andtherefore be of concern to the Board. Applicants who selfreportmay also be contacted by the committee to ensure thatefforts are being made toward compliance. Licensees who arereported to the Board by credentialing agencies or insurancecorporations may also be contacted by the Committee. Noactions were taken by the Committee in the previous year.LICENSE STATUS:Licenses expire on December thirty-first 2011 for dentistsand dental hygienists (even numbered years for dentalassistants). It is important for all licensees to understandthat by failing to renew prior to expiration, the privilegeto practice is lost and licensees must cease the practice ofdentistry. The license must be renewed during the allowedgrace period or the licensee faces reapplication for license.If the license is not renewed prior to expiration or duringthe permitted grace period, reapplication for licensure isrequired. It is important to note that during the grace periodyou are permitted to renew the license you are prohibitedfrom practicing during the grace period, until the renewal isgranted. The reapplication process is cumbersome and costlyto the licensee who fails to renew. Even so, it does seem tohappen! Therefore the Board reminds all licensees of theimportance of timely completion of the renewal process. TheBoard is unable to make exceptions for tardy renewals andmust therefore enforce statute related to the renewal process.It is the licensee’s responsibility to inform the board of theircurrent mailing address to insure notification for renewalsand other Board communications [See NDCC § 43-28-23].Licenses and registration statistics for 7/15/2010 -7/14/2011Licensee Active license Inactive licenseDentist 427 24Dental hygienist 726 49Dental assistant 559 n/aCLINICAL EXAMINATIONS:One of the most rewarding and important functionsof board members is their involvement with regionalclinical board examinations. The NDSBDE participates asmembers of the Central Regional Dental Testing Serviceand the Western Regional Examination Board. Boardmembers (past and present) generously dedicate much oftheir time to these organizations in addition to attendingannual meetings and serving on various advisory andstanding committees which guide the organizations. Dr.Anthony Malaktaris currently serves as President of theCentral Regional Dental Testing Service, Inc. (CRDTS).Direct involvement benefits the Board by allowingmembers to have first hand information on the validity andcontent of the examination. The Board can then determinewhich of these exams shall be accepted as a requirementfor licensure and promulgate rules accordingly.WEB SITE STATUS:The Board’s latest addition to its website is the Ethicsand Jurisprudence Examination. Licensees may optto take the exam online to fulfill continuing educationrequirements for ethics and jurisprudence. The exam wasdesigned as an educational tool in that the test is an openbook test, and the test is fail-proof; fail proof because testquestions may reappear if a passing score is not achieved atthe conclusion of the 90 questions. Answering 60 questionscorrectly automatically concludes the test. Upon successfulcompletion of the exam, the licensee is credited for 2 hoursof continuing education toward the ethics and jurisprudenceCE requirement. There is no cost for taking the exam. Thecontent for the Ethics and Jurisprudence exam can be foundby reviewing The North Dakota Century Code and Rules/Regulations pertaining to dentists, hygienists and assistantsand the ADA’s Code of Ethics. These materials are availableon the Board’s website.The Board’s website is user friendly and allows anyoneto contact the board via e-mail. Continuing educationforms, license renewal forms and applications are alsooffered. Links to various dental related sites are available,including the CDC. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Meetings are open to the public withmeeting schedules posted both on the Board’s web siteand with the Office of the Secretary of State. Written orelectronic minutes of NDSBDE meetings are available bycontacting the Board’s office.Respectfully submitted,Rita Sommers, Executive DirectorPage 9

north daKota state board of dental exaMinersP.O. Box 7246Bismarck, ND 58507-7246Presorted StandardUS PostageP A I DPermit #419BISMARCK NDZip Code 58504next forMal Meeting of the ndsbdeThursday, January 19, 20129:00 AM CSTFargo, Holiday InnnaMe and/or address ChangePursuant to the North Dakota Century Code, licensed and registered dentists, hygienists, and registered dental assistants shall notify theExecutive Director of the Board within thirty days of a new address. A dentist must provide a new business address. A registered dentalhygienist or a registered dental assistant is required to provide a new mailing address as well. Failure to provide this information to theBoard may result in loss of registration of license or penalty. You can notify the Board using the following form. The form can be mailed to:NDSBDE, P.O. Box 7246, Bismarck, ND 58507-7246 or transmitted via facsimile to (701) 224-9824.Name (last, first, middle): _____________________________________________________________________________________________Former Name (if applicable): ___________________________________________________________________________________________old address: Street __________________________________________________________________________________________________City/State/Zip ______________________________________________________________________________________________________New address (if applicable): ___________________________________________________________________________________________City/State/Zip ______________________________________________________________________________________________________License Number _________________________________________________Daytime Phone Number ______________________________Signature _______________________________________________________________________Effective Date _______________________The change of address is for my:r Home Address r Office Address r Mailing Address r Satellite Address