Md. Code Regs. 10.44.22.07

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 10.44.22.07 - Pro Bono Dental and Dental Hygiene Services

A. Beginning on the effective date of this regulation dentists or dental hygienists may receive continuing education credit for providing volunteer pro bono dental and dental hygiene services within the State as provided in this regulation.

B. A dentist or dental hygienist may provide volunteer pro bono care at a Board-approved program that:

(1) Is a non-profit entity or event; and

(2) Provides substantial pro bono dental services to the indigent or dentally underserved populations.

C. With the exception of food, lodging, and parking fees, a dentist or dental hygienist may not receive direct or indirect remuneration of any kind, including but not limited to remuneration for materials purchased or used.

D. With the exception of those pro bono services provided at a dentist's or dental hygienist's office as outlined in §E of this regulation, the program shall require a dentist or dental hygienist to sign in and sign out daily upon commencement and termination of the provision of services.

E. A dentist or dental hygienist may provide pro bono services for continuing education credit at the dentist's or dental hygienist's office:

(1) If the patient is referred to the dentist or dental hygienist by a Board-approved nonprofit entity that provides substantial pro bono dental services to the indigent or dentally underserved populations; and

(2) If the Board provides prior approval of the provision of the dental or dental hygiene services.

F. Continuing education credit shall be calculated based on the time a dentist or dental hygienist has actually dedicated to the performance of dental or dental hygiene services.

G. Continuing education credit shall be calculated at the ratio of 1 continuing education credit for each 60 minutes of patient services.

H. Credit may not be provided for missed appointments.

I. Board-approved nonprofit entities that provide substantial dental services for continuing education credit shall:

(1) Retain patient records;

(2) Retain documentation of all pro bono assignments and the hours of service provided; and

(3) Provide the records and a copy of the assignments and the hours of service provided to the Board upon request.

J. The Board may revoke the approval status of any nonprofit entity that fails to cooperate with the Board.

K. A dental hygienist who provides pro bono dental services shall work under the direct supervision of a dentist.

L. A dentist or dental hygienist that is employed by a nonprofit entity that provides substantial pro bono dental services to the indigent or dentally underserved populations may not obtain credit for pro bono services at the entity at which the dentist or dental hygienist is employed, but may receive credit for qualified pro bono services at other nonprofit entities.

M. A dentist who is a Board-recognized specialist and who has announced a specialization shall limit the pro bono services exclusively to the announced special areas.

N. In accordance with COMAR 10.44.12, a dentist may administer general anesthesia or sedation only with the appropriate Board permit issued for the specific practice location at which the dentist wishes to administer general anesthesia or sedation.

O. A dental hygienist may administer local anesthesia by infiltration only with the appropriate Board recognition.

P. A dentist and dental hygienist who provide pro bono dental services shall:

(1) Maintain proof of such services for at least 5 years on a Board-approved form; and

(2) Provide documentation of the services to the Board on request.

Q. A dentist or dental hygienist who fails to maintain accurate and complete records of services rendered may not receive continuing education credit for those services.

R. A dentist shall use a Board-approved form for patients with clear instructions for any follow-up care.

S. A dentist or a dental hygienist under a formal or informal Board order or agreement that provides for the provision of pro bono services may not receive continuing education credit for the provision of the pro bono services.

T. Failure to comply with the provisions of this regulation constitutes unprofessional conduct.

Md. Code Regs. 10.44.22.07

Regulations .07 adopted as an emergency provision effective November 25, 1992 (19:25 Md. R. 2199); adopted permanently effective May 26, 1993 (20:6 Md. R. 581)
Regulation .07 amended effective January 26, 2009 (36:2 Md. R. 101)