The State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) proposes an amendment to §108.8, concerning Records of the Dentist.

The amendment is proposed to enhance the recordkeeping of dentists by including documentation of an oral pathology examination as an aspect of the dental record.

Mr. Glenn Parker, Interim Executive Director, 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 rule.

Mr. Parker has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be the protection of the public health and safety. There will not be an effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed section.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted in writing to Nycia Deal, Staff Attorney, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701. Comments may also be submitted electronically to nycia@tsbde.texas.gov or faxed to (512) 463-7452. To be considered, all written comments must be received by the 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. and Texas Occupations Code §254.001, which authorize the Board to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties.

The proposal affects Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle D and Texas Administrative Code, Title 22, Part 5.