The State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) proposes amendments to 22 TAC §114.6, General Qualifications for Registration or Certification.

The purpose of the amendments is to provide that an applicant for dental assistant registration or certification must inform the Board of any disciplinary action taken against the applicant in this or any other jurisdiction. The amendments also set out the circumstances under which the Board may issue a conditional registration to an applicant for dental assistant registration or certification, and the factors the Board will consider in determining whether to issue a conditional registration or certification. The amendments also provide circumstances under which the Board may refuse to issue a dental assistant registration or certification to an applicant.

Julie Hildebrand, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amendments are in effect, enforcing or administering the rule will not have foreseeable implications relating to cost or revenue of state or local government.

Ms. Hildebrand has also determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amendments are in effect, enforcing or administering the rule will ensure the protection of public health and safety. Ms. Hildebrand has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amendments are in effect, enforcing or administering the rule will not have foreseeable economic costs to persons or small businesses who are required to comply with the rule. There is no foreseeable impact on employment in any regional area where the rule is enforced or administered.

Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted to Simone Salloum, Assistant General Counsel, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-800, Austin, Texas 78732, Fax (512) 463-7452, rulecomments@tsbde.texas.gov, no later than 30 days from the date that the proposed rule is published in the Texas Register.

The amendments are 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.

The following statutes are affected by this proposal: Texas Occupations Code Chapters 256 and 265.