The Iowa Dental Board (IDB) met on January 22, 2015 and voted to deny the petition for rule making
submitted by the Iowa Dental Association (IDA). The petition would amend the Public Health Supervision
(PHS) rules by eliminating the words “federal, state or local public health programs” from PHS sites. This
began with a request asking if state correctional facilities were considered a state public health site
under PHS. The IDB agreed that Correctional Facilities would be considered a state public health
program. The Iowa Dental Hygienists’ Association (IDHA) notified peers and other agencies and boards
of this petition and encouraged them to write letters or contact the IDB as this would negatively affect
the practice of public health hygienists. Related to the issue, the IDB noted that a dental exam is
required when offenders enter an Iowa correctional facility so a hygienist could work under General
Supervision.
IDA has submitted HSB 45 “Volunteer Dentist and Dental Hygienist Bill” to the House Subcommittee on
State Government. IDHA will support the bill if these words are added: “Persons holding a retired
Volunteer’s License shall not practice clinically independent of an Iowa Licensed Dentist with an Active
Dental License. The person may do screenings or an education program without an active licensee
present.” The IDB has suggested adding this language. The bill has been submitted by the IDA without
the recommended language.
Dental Hygiene Expanded Functions: A new version of the rule is being drafted. The list of Level One
functions will be eliminated because they can be done under general supervision in our scope of
practice. Discussion continues about proof of education for expanded functions.
Dental Assistant Expanded Functions: Is proceeding through to the rule making process.
Dental Assistant Public Health Supervision: Discussing a process that would allow dental assistants to
assist dental hygienists in public health settings. This would include taking x-rays, intraoral suctioning,
use of a curing light and extraoral duties. IDHA has requested that the IDB put into place something that
would allow the assistant to assist a hygienist now. Many programs are currently being affected or
suspended due to the lack of an assistant.
IDHA will write a letter to the governor in support of the reappointment to the IDB for Nancy Slach,
Dental Hygienist and Lori Elmitt, Public Member.
The next IDB Meeting will be April 23, 24, 2015.
Respectfully Submitted
Carol Van Aernam RDH, BA
Iowa Dental Board Liaison