The State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) proposes amended rule §104.1, concerning Continuing Education Requirements. This rule amendment is being made in light of the switch from annual to biennial license renewals. In general, all requirements have been doubled. One exception to that is the jurisprudence exam, which was previously required every three years and will now be required every four years (i.e., one time per two renewal cycles.) Another change worth noting is the carry-over provision. Previously, licensees could carry over up to 24 hours of additional training obtained from up to three years prior to the current annual renewal year. The rule is being amended to allow for carry-over of up to 24 hours of additional training obtained from the one year prior to the current biennial renewal cycle.

Tyler Vance, Interim Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed rule is in effect, there will not be any fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Tyler Vance has also determined that for the first five-year period the proposed rule is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering this section will be to increase efficiency in the licensing division which will result in faster processing times for all applicants. Mr. Vance has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed rule is in effect, costs to persons or small businesses will be minimal. There is no foreseeable impact on employment in any regional area where the rule is enforced or administered.

Tyler Vance has also determined that for the first five-year period the proposed rule is in effect, the following government growth effects apply: the rule does not create or eliminate a government program; implementation of the proposed rule does not require the creation or elimination of employee positions; the implementation of the proposed rule does not require an increase or decrease in future appropriations; the proposed rule does not require an increase or decrease in fees paid to the agency; the proposed rule creates a new regulation; the proposed rule expands an existing regulation; the proposed rule increases the number of individuals subject to it; the proposed rule does not adversely affect the state's economy.

Comments on the proposed amended rule may be submitted to Tyler Vance, Interim Executive Director, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-800, Austin, Texas 78732, Fax (512) 305-9364, tvance@tsbde.texas.gov no later than 30 days from the date that the proposed rule is published in the Texas Register.

This rule is proposed under Texas Occupations Code §254.001(a), which gives the Board authority to adopt rules necessary to perform its duties and ensure compliance with state laws relating to the practice of dentistry to protect the public health and safety.

No statutes are affected by this proposed rule.