The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) adopts the repeal of 22 TAC Chapter 102, §102.1, concerning fees charged by the Board, and adopts new §102.1 to replace it without changes to the proposal as published in the January 14, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 69).

The new section contains language to enact certain fee requirements imposed by Senate Bills 1152 and 263, §10 and §19, 78th Legislature. The new section, compared to the previous iteration, also contains extensive revisions to clarify and standardize language, and to improve organization.

Section 102.1(a)(4)(A) reflects the addition of the statutorily required $5 online fee for dental licensees, changing the annual dental registration renewal fee from $111 to $116.

Section 102.1(b)(4)(A) reflects the addition of the statutorily required $3 online fee for dental hygiene licensees, changing the annual dental hygiene registration renewal fee from $66 to $69.

Section 102.1(c)(1) reflects the addition of fees for the new dental assistant registration program, in the amount of $50 for the initial registration, and $25 for the annual renewal.

Section 102.1(c)(2) reflects a reduction in the fees for a pit and fissure sealant certification, in order to help offset the cost to dental assistants who wish to hold both a dental assistant registration and a pit and fissure sealant certification. The initial registration fee has been reduced from $50 to $25, and the annual renewal fee has been reduced from $50 to $15.

Section 102.1(d)(2)(B) reflects the addition of the statutorily required annual $3.00 "e-pay" service fee for dental licensees.

There are no other substantive changes to the section.

No comments were received regarding either the adoption of the repeal or the new section.

The section is adopted under Texas Government Code §§2001.021, et seq., Texas Civil Statutes, Texas Occupations Code §254.001, which provides the Board with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties.