Matrix 1st Qtr. '98
| BUCKEYE MATRIX First Quarter 1998 |
 |
LEGISLATION IS IN THE NEWS!
There have been many changes that
have occurred since the first issue of the Buckeye Matrix that will and are
affecting dental assistants in Ohio. This issue will give you insights on what
has happened and how they effect you as a dental assistant.
The change that has the most immediate effect on Ohio dental assistant radiographers is the expiration of conditional licenses. You will recall that when these licenses were issued, the recipient had two years in which to take a 7 hour course in radiology covering specific X-ray topics, and could then receive her license without a test of knowledge. The grandfather clause ends on January 20, 1998. If you are in possession of a conditional license, and have not converted it to a radiographer's license, you cannot legally take x-rays in Ohio. This is a part of the law, and cannot be waived for "special circumstances".
The Ohio State Dental Board has been deluged with panic calls from dental assistants that have not taken advantage of the two years allotted them, as has this organization. If you now do not have a current radiographers license, you must take an initial education course, and the DANB radiology exam, or one of the certification exams offered in Ohio. The exams must be passed in its' entirety. Then apply for a dental assistants radiographer's license through the OSDB.
Although the ODA passed Resolution 10-97 during their annual session, recommending additional delegatable duties to be performed by assistants, EFDS's and RDH's, these duties are not yet allowed! We will keep you abreast of any developments, but there are many legal steps to be taken before final approval by the OSDB. We caution all assistants to check what is legally allowed to be delegated to protect your employer and his practice.
House bill 470, which would allow hyienists to practice without having a dentist physically present, has passed through the House Health Aging and Retirement Committee. It was amended in committee to allow coronal polishing by assistants that attend a course given by an accredited program. No testing requirements are being proposed at this time. Representatives from the ODAA testified regarding the lack of testing requirements, and recommended this duty be assigned to certified assistants.
HB-470 must pass the House and the Senate, and be signed by the governor. Then the rules governing the action will come before a public hearing before becoming law. This process could take as long as a year.
If you have concerns regarding any of these issues, we urge you to write your senators and congressmen. Their names are readily available in phone books, libraries, and even the AAA office near you.
ODAA MARCH MEETING SCHEDULE
The ODAA March Meetting will be held at the Fawcett Center, 2400
Olentangy Road in Columbus. For Reservations call (800) 637-2316
Directions from 71S: Take exit 112 (Hudson St.). Make right hand turn off exit. Follow to High Street, make a left. Go to Lane Street, and make a right hand turn. Make a right turn on Olentangy. The Fawcett Center is on the corner of Lane and Olentangy.
Friday March 6, 1998
A seafood buffet is available Friday evenings at the hotel. Call for times.
8:30p.m. - 10:00p.m.....Executive Board Meeting
10:00p.m. - .................Immediate Past President's Meeting
Saturday March 7, 1998
8:30a.m. - 9:00a.m.......Registration
9:00a.m. - 12:00p.m.....First Session House of Delegates Forums
12:00p.m. - 2:00p.m.....Lunch
2:00p.m. - 6:00p.m.......Education Seminar presented by the Ohio State Dental
Board The Dental Practice act:(Infection Control) Rules to Live by (4CE)
Sunday March 8,1998
9:00a.m. - 9:30a.m. Interdenominational Worship
9:30a.m. - 10:00a.m. Registration
10:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. Second Session House of Delegates, Elections and
Installation of officers
12:00p.m. - 1:00p.m. Post Board Meeting
BATTER UP!
There are many members that have been content to sit on the sidelines
and watch the game. We need you to take your turn at bat for the organization.
There are limited officer positions available for next year's board. Please call
(330)733-1244 for information.
Still Available:
President - Elect: In charge of Meeting Program booklet duties, and PR.
Vice President: In charge of meeting arrangements
Secretary: In charge of keeping a record of the events that occur during the
meetings.
There is no shame in error, but it's a shame not to try!
OHIO COMMISSION
Examination Period: May 2-3, 1998....Application Deadline: March 18, 1998
Fall Dates: to be announced
To take the Ohio certification exam, you must have been employed at least six months, or be enrolled in the second year of a two-year vocational or adult dental assisting program. Current CPR certification is required.
This examination is given twice annually in Columbus, and consists of a written and a practical portion. It is limited to 50 applicants per day. Dates are assigned on a first come basis.
Are you a current CODA. If you have not renewed your Ohio Certification, you must do so immediately. For test applications, or information about serving on the commission, or as a monitor, please write to: The Commission on Ohio Dental Assistant Certification, % Carol Healy, 1501 Centerview Dr., Copley, OH 44321
QUICK CONTACT DIRECTORY
American Dental Assistants Association 1-800-SEE-ADAA
Dental Assisting National Board 1-800-FOR-DANB
Ohio State Dental Board 1-614-466-2580
DENTAL ASSISTING NATIONAL
BOARD
Examination Period: February 12-14, 1998....Application Deadline: January 9,
1998
More to be announced
You must have been employed at least two years, or have graduated from an accredited program to be eligible to take this exam, and your CPR certification must be current.
Contact the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) at 1-800-FOR-DANB to receive an application for any of the above listed dates, and test content information.
This examination is held at various locations throughout Ohio. The applications allow you to choose the location most convenient to your home. You are now responsible for maintaining the records for your CEU's. At least 12 continuing education hours must be gained to be eligible to renew your certification status.