The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners adopts amended rule §102.1 relating to fees. This rule is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the March 9, 2018, issue of the Texas Register (43 TexReg 1367).

This rule is being adopted to comply with statutory mandates to raise fees to pay for the Prescription Monitoring Program and other agency functions.

The Board received a comment from the Texas Dental Association, which appreciates our efforts to minimally raise fees but remains concerned about the negative impact of fee increases on licensees and registrants. TDA urges the board to implement reasonable fee increases that will not disrupt patient care or hinder dentists from operating their practices and employing Texans.

The Board’s appreciates TDA’s feedback and will take it into consideration. At this time, though, the Board feels the increases are reasonable.

Rule §102.1 is adopted under Texas Occupations Code §254.001(a). The Board interprets §254.001(a) to give the Board authority to adopt rules necessary to perform its duties and ensure compliance with state law relating to the practice of dentistry to protect the public health and safety.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the rule.