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State LegislationAGD continuously monitors local legislation so that the organization can communicate the interest of the general dentist to interested parties. In addition, the organization maintains reports and statistics to use as resources when speaking to local legislators on the general dentists’ behalf. AGD encourages its members to advocate on behalf of the profession as well. View statistics about the economic contribution of the dental profession throughout the country to use in your communications with local lawmakers. Each week the AGD publishes a series of state legislative updates called, General Dentists’ Eyes, Ears and Voices. Click on the links below to learn more about local legislation that the AGD is monitoring or view earlier legislative updates from the AGD by click on the archive link on the right.
While there are still three months to go in 2009, several state legislatures are moving to pre-file bills for 2010. Three in New Hampshire would have a large impact on dentistry if they were to pass. One bill would establish a separate board for dental hygienists in New Hampshire. Another relates Delta Dental data submission and the third bill addresses access to dental hygiene care. Although the text of this legislation is not yet published, New Hampshire AGD will closely watch these bills next session.
The Florida Dental Board announced last month in the Florida Administrative Weekly (FAW) that it planned to repeal its advertising specialty services rule due to the ruling in the recent court case Ducoin v. Board of Dentistry in which such rule was deemed unconstitutional. In so repealing this rule, the board may adopt a new rule on advertising to be discussed at its October 30, 2009 meeting. At this point, unfortunately, it appears the proposed rule puts similar restraints on advertising that were struck down by the Ducoin ruling. The proposed rule is opposed by the Florida AGD (FL AGD), as well as the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).
On August 30, Dr. James Chancellor, a general dentist from San Antonio and active member of Texas AGD (TAGD), was appointed to six-year term on the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE), by Governor Rick Perry in place of Dr. Gary McDonald. TAGD had previously contacted the governor in support of Dr. Chancellor's appointment. |
