The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) proposes amendments to §§114.2, 114.10, and 114.11, concerning the registration and training of dental assistants. The amendment is proposed to clarify the status and transition between current and succeeding programs of dental assistant registration. The proposed amendments to these sections cover dental assistant registration, radiologic procedures and dental assistant training exemptions.

Proposed §114.2 clarifies that the authorization for dental assistants to position and expose radiographs (x-rays) under the former §115.10 (recodified as §114.10) prior to September 1, 2004, will expire in its entirety on September 1, 2006.

Proposed §114.10 clarifies that the former §115.10 will be superseded by proposed §114.2 and §114.20 on September 1, 2006.

Proposed §114.11 clarifies that dental assistants may position and expose, or otherwise make dental x-rays during the course of an on-the-job training period that may last up to one year.

Dr. Jim Zukowski, Executive Director of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined that for each year of the first five-year period that the sections are in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for local or state government as a result of enforcing or administering these sections.

Dr. Zukowski has also determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are in effect the administration and enforcement of these proposed sections is expected to benefit the public by clarifying the status and transition of current and succeeding programs of dental assistant registration.

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 these sections.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Dr. Jim Zukowski, Executive Director, Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, or by fax at (512) 463-7452. 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 these amended sections are published in the Texas Register.

The amendments are proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et seq., and Texas Occupations Code §254.001, which provides the Board with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties.

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