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DQAC to Consider Creating Rules on Clinical Continuing Competency

Jul 16, 2024
The Washington State Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) Continuing Competency Committee (Committee) is bringing forward a significant proposal for the Commission to consider: a mandatory clinical continuing competency program.

The Washington State Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) Continuing Competency Committee (Committee) is bringing forward a significant proposal for the Commission to consider: a mandatory clinical continuing competency program.

While ensuring patient safety is paramount, concerns remain regarding the redundancy and lack of effectiveness of the proposed program.

At the July 26 DQAC Business meeting, the full Commission will discuss whether to open rulemaking based on the following proposal:

  • More CE Requirements: In addition to the required 63 hours of continuing education dentists must complete every 3 years, this proposal would require Washington State dentists to complete an additional 63 hours of continuing education every 3 years.
  • Re-certification Exams: This proposal would require dentists to take an online ADA Oral Clinical Skills Examination (OCSE) every 10 years.
  • Practice Evaluations: Under this proposal, a peer dentist would evaluate the office’s facilities, equipment, and training records.

These additional requirements would likely result in significant financial strain on dentists. The proposed program mandates extra continuing education hours, additional exams, and potentially costly peer-to-peer practice evaluations. The time and administrative costs would have to be absorbed by dentists and could significantly impact patient care time and office operations.

WSDA believes this program is unnecessary and inefficient. Washington State already has a rigorous licensing process and ongoing continuing education requirements. Furthermore, the proposed program duplicates existing safeguards like infection control and anesthesia inspections as well as the complaint process, which have already proven effective.

Make a Difference!

If DQAC decides to begin rulemaking, this has the potential to significantly impact dental practices and care provided across the state. DQAC needs to hear directly from you!

Here is how:

  • Email feedback to: dental@doh.wa.gov
  • Save the Date: Attend the DQAC Business Meeting scheduled July 26, 2024, at 10:00 AM. This meeting is held online* and in-person at:

The Department of Health
TC2 Room 166
111 Israel Rd SE
Tumwater, WA 98501

 *Webinar details will be made available by the Department of Health and updated in this post.
 

Your voice matters! Together, we can ensure that patient safety remains a top priority while advocating for reasonable and effective requirements for all Washington dentists. Don't let this decision be made without your input.

Make Your Voice Heard