Georgia’s regulatory boards met in July to finalize new regulations. The Board of Dentistry passed adjustments to its existing rules governing sedation permits and dental hygiene. The Board of Health Care Workforce passed a new rule laying out specifics for the Georgia Dentist Education Loan Repayment Program, an initiative signed into law at the close of the state’s last legislative session. Representatives from Georgia Dental Association’s Government Affairs Team, as well as member dentists, were present for public comment on the rule changes.

Sedation Permits

The Board of Dentistry amended Rule 150-13-.01 governing sedation permits, and it adopted Rule 150-5-.08 governing dental hygienists’ use of diode lasers to disinfect the gingival sulcus. The stated purpose of amending Rule 150-13-.01 was to define the anesthesia continuum, clarify training requirements, and emphasize mandatory reporting of sedation related injury or death required by Georgia law. The amendment includes new language that lays out documentation required by the board saying that, “all applicants for permits for conscious sedation shall be required to provide the board documentation of their training on the use of those drugs requested in their permit application.” These changes will apply to new applicants going forward.

Diode Lasers and Dental Hygiene

The new Rule 150-5-.08 authorizes the use of diode lasers by dental hygienists under direct supervision, and it limits laser use to, “bacterial reduction/disinfection of the gingival sulcus at settings that preclude hard and soft tissue removal.” Prior to using a laser, hygienists must complete a minimum of 8 hours of interactive didactic and clinical training on laser safety, infection control, patient management, and operating the specific laser used in their practice setting. Furthermore, they will be required to complete an additional 2 hours of continuing education every 2 years and to record specific information about the procedure in the patient’s chart.

Student Loan Repayment

The Board of Health Care Workforce adopted proposed Rule 195-26. The rule describes in detail how the Georgia Dentist Education Loan Repayment Program (GDELRP) will function. As a program designed to bolster Georgia’s rural dentist workforce, GDELRP will be available to dentists, and 4^th year dental students, with outstanding dental education and training loan debt. Applicants must desire to serve in a board approved, dentally underserved rural area of Georgia, and they must maintain a Georgia Medicaid number, actively treating Medicaid patients. By working full-time in the rural area under a 4-year contract, dentists can receive up to $150,000 toward their student loans. GDELRP builds on the Dentists for Rural Areas Assistance Program which was unavailable to dental students.

Ongoing Advocacy Work

Our government affairs team at Georgia Dental Association continues to monitor legislative and regulatory developments that impact dentists in our state. We strive to represent our members and to advocate for clear and commonsense regulation that promotes safe and effective dentistry in Georgia. To join our efforts, consider getting involved with our Contact Dentist Program, donating to GDAPAC, and participating in our next GDA LAW Day at the Capitol.