text: WSR 18-06-027
  [Filed February 27, 2018, 1:34 p.m.]
  Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 16-16-031.
  Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 246-817-440 Dentist continuing education requirements, the dental quality assurance commission (commission) is proposing amendments to update and clarify continuing education requirements when dentists renew their license.
  Hearing Location(s): On April 20, 2018, at 9:35 a.m., at the Department of Health, Point Plaza East, Room 152/153, 310 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501.
  Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Jennifer Santiago, phone 360-236-4893, fax 360-236-2901, TTY 360-833-6388 or 711, email jennifer.santiago@doh.wa.gov, by April 13, 2018.
  Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposed rule amendments update continuing education (CE) requirements for licensed dentists. The proposed amendments clarify CE subject matter, describe different ways to obtain CE, the number of hours a license[d] dentist may devote to specific CE activities, and identifies mandatory CE of a dental jurisprudence examination. Additionally, the proposed rule amendment changes the reporting period of CE from twenty-one hours annually to sixty-three hours every three years.
  Reasons Supporting Proposal: The proposed rule amendments are necessary to provide clear requirements for licensed dentists to obtain CE. The commission considered the Washington State Dental Association request for required jurisprudence and ethics education of no more than two hours every three years and the specific question related to live webinar CE. The proposed change of the CE reporting period change does not increase the number of hours, but allows the dentist time over a three year period to complete the hours.
  Statute Being Implemented: RCW 13.32.0357 and 18.32.180.
  A cost-benefit analysis is required under RCW 34.05.328. A preliminary cost-benefit analysis may be obtained by contacting Jennifer Santiago, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98501-7852 [98504-7852], phone 360-236-4893, fax 360-236-2901, TTY 360-833-6388 or 711, email jennifer.santiago@doh.wa.gov.
  The proposed rule does not impose more-than-minor costs on businesses. Following is a summary of the agency's analysis showing how costs were calculated. A significant cost analysis has been completed. Changes in this proposed rule do not increase costs to licensed dentists. Licensed dentists currently must complete twenty-one hours of CE annually. The proposed rule allows for more alternative methods to complete CE and does not increase number of CE hours but does change reporting period from twenty-one CE hours annually to sixty-three CE hours every three years. The proposed rule does not impose more-than-minor-costs as defined in RCW 19.85.020(2).
  (((1) Purpose. The dental quality assurance commission (DQAC) has determined that the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the state will be served by requiring all dentists, licensed under chapter 18.32 RCW, to continue their professional development via continuing education after receiving such licenses.
  (2) Effective date. The effective date for the continuing education requirement for dentists is July 1, 2001. The first reporting cycle for verifying completion of continuing education hours will begin with renewals due July 1, 2002, and each renewal date thereafter. Every)) The goal of continuing education is to encourage the lifetime professional development of the licensed dentist, and to enhance the clinical and overall skills needed to protect the health and safety of all patients.
  (b) A licensed dentist ((must sign an affidavit attesting)) shall attest to the completion of ((the required number of)) sixty-three hours of continuing education every three years as a part of their ((annual)) license renewal requirement.
  (((3) Requirements. Licensed dentists must complete twenty-one clock hours of continuing education, each year, in conjunction with their annual renewal date. DQAC)) (c) The dental quality assurance commission (commission) may randomly audit up to twenty-five percent of ((practitioners)) licensed dentists every three years for compliance after the ((credential)) license is renewed as allowed by chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 7.
  (((4) Acceptable continuing education - Qualification of courses for continuing education credit. DQAC)) (d) A licensed dentist shall comply with the requirements of chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 7.
  (3) Continuing education ((course work)) must contribute to the professional knowledge and development of the ((practitioner,)) licensed dentist or enhance services provided to patients((.
  (5) Refer to chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 7, administrative procedures and requirements for credentialed health care providers for further information regarding compliance with the continuing education requirements for health care providers)). Continuing education must be completed in one or more of the following subject categories: