Please direct any questions and concerns to Rachel Stewart
The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners will hold a Public
Hearing to consider changes to several rules 21NCAC 16B.1101,
16C.0601, 16H.0205, 16I.0206, 16Q.0701, 16R.0206, 16T.0104 and 16W.0101
on March 13, 2025, at 6:30pm at the board office.
(*2000 Perimeter Park Drive, Suite 160 Morrisville, NC 27560)
Public comment period is open until March 17, 2025.
Click the link to be taken to the board proposals and current rules
NC Dental Board Public Hearing Proposals
Before this date, submissions for public comment whether in support or opposition of
these proposed rule changes can be made in writing to the board office by emailing
Bobby White. Additionally, you may also make your comment verbally during the
public hearing to support your written comments.
The proposed amendments below aim to ensure clarity, proper management, and compliance with
professional standards in dental practice.
1. 21 NCAC 16B .1101, 21 NCAC 16C .0601, and 21 NCAC 16Q .0701:
○ These rules are proposed for amendment to establish a default minimum time period for:
■ Seeking reinstatement of a revoked license or permit.
■ Re-applying after a denial of reinstatement.
2. 21 NCAC 16H .0205:
This rule is proposed for amendment to clarify that dental assistants are not allowed to perform
scaling for deposits either above or below the gum line.
3. 21 NCAC 16W .0101:
○ This rule is proposed for amendment to include a requirement that a licensed dentist must be
available while a public health hygienist is performing procedures.
4. 21 NCAC 16T .0104:
This rule is proposed to address the requirements for winding down a dental practice. It includes:
■ Notification of patients about the practice closure.
■ Handling of license suspension or revocation.
■ Management of patient records to prevent abandonment.
■ Appointment of trustees to manage patient records if necessary.
The selected text refers to proposed amendments to two specific rules, 21 NCAC 16I .0206 and
21 NCAC 16R .0206, which refer to the continuing education mental health and substance abuse requirement. These amendments aim to achieve two main objectives:
1. Update Terminology: The rules will be updated to use the correct terminology for substance use disorders. This ensures that the language used in the rules is current and accurately reflects the conditions being addressed.
2. Increase Flexibility in Education Requirements: The amendments will provide more flexibility regarding the types of classes that can satisfy the mental health education requirement. This means that dental professionals will have a broader range of options when selecting courses to fulfill their continuing education requirements on substance abuse and mental health.
These changes are intended to improve the clarity and relevance of the rules, making it easier for dental professionals to comply with continuing education requirements while ensuring they receive up-to-date and appropriate training.