The State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) adopts an amendment to 22 TAC §108.14, concerning pediatric and special needs case management and protective stabilization. This amendment to the existing rule updates and clarifies the applicability of the rule in light of changes to the guidelines published by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and stakeholder comment received by the Board during the rulemaking process. This rule is being adopted as a result of a petition for rulemaking filed with the Board by the Texas Dental Association. This amendment is adopted with no changes to the proposed text as published in the April 5, 2019, issue of the Texas Register (44 TexReg 1636). The rule will not be republished.

One comment was received after publication of the proposed rule amendment during the official comment period. The Texas Dental Association provided a written comment in support of adoption of the rule as proposed. The Board agrees with this comment and no changes to the proposed rule were made as a result of the comment.

This rule is adopted 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.