The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) proposes amendments to 22 TAC Chapter 114, §114.3, concerning certification for the application of pit and fissure sealants by a dental assistant. The amendments are proposed to enact certain changes to Tex. Occ. Code §265.004, imposed by Senate Bill 610, §8, 79th Legislature. The section as amended also contains revisions to clarify and standardize language, and to improve organization.

The proposed amendment allows a CODA-accredited dental assisting program to meet the 16-hour educational requirement for a dental assistant's pit and fissure certification. Currently, only CODA-accredited dental hygiene programs are accepted.

There are no other substantive changes to the section.

Ms. Sherri Sanders, Interim Executive Director of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the section is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for local or state government as a result of enforcing or administering the section.

There is no public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing or administering the section.

There is no impact on large, small or micro-businesses.

There is no anticipated economic cost to persons as a result of enforcing or administering the section.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Sherri Sanders, Interim Executive Director, Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 475-1660. To be considered, all written comments must be received by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners no later than 30 days from the date that this amended section is published in the Texas Register.

The amendment is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et seq., Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §254.001, which provides the Board with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties, and Senate Bill 610, 79th Legislature.

The proposed amendment affects Title 3, Subtitle D of the Occupations Code and Title 22, Texas Administrative Code, Chapters 101 - 125.