Alabama Board of Dental Examiners

The meeting included discussions on Hepatitis B requirements for program applications and clinical activities, leading to policy updates. The Board also reviewed licensure applications for dental and dental hygiene professionals, authorized the interim executive director position to be full-time, and approved various personnel matters and committee reports. Additionally, the Board addressed inquiries regarding locum tenens coverage, initiated research into rule changes for dental assistants regarding whitening agents and IV assistants, and conducted reviews of multiple enforcement cases, including those with non-disciplinary fines or administrative closures. A town hall meeting was also noted, covering topics such as continuing education modalities and dental assistant duties.

The primary Board Meeting on January 9, 2026, addressed several agenda items. The Board adopted the modified agenda, which included moving the public comments section to an earlier slot and scheduling the April meeting for April 17th. Key discussion points involved reports from the President (including the ADPH Strategic Plan 2024-2026 and SCPH December report), Special Reports (Wellness, Legislative, and Anesthesia Committees), and Board Member Reports (proposing a Dental Hygiene Advisory Committee and reviewing Continuing Education rules). Under Unfinished Business, the Board voted on several proposed rule amendments: approving Rule 270-X-3-.10 with a change regarding supervision for coronal polishing, removing Moderate Sedation from Rule 270-X-2-.17, and approving Rule 270-X-2-.20 without changes. The Board also approved travel expenses for Mr. Youngblood and voted to create a rule for reinstating licenses for dentists/hygienists with practice lapses. New Business included approving reinstatement procedures for sedation permits that lapsed, approving CE Course Approvals, and approving a Town Hall Meeting during Alumni Weekend. Finally, the Board approved applications for Dental Licensure by Credentials and by Regional Exam, contingent upon successful completion of the jurisprudence exam. Enforcement matters included discussing negotiated settlements.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the swearing-in of the new Hygiene Board Member, Kelley Perry, RDH. Reports were presented by the President, Special Reports (Wellness and Legislative), and the Executive Director. Unfinished business involved discussion on the public comments policy, sentencing guidelines, Hepatitis B immunization documentation for certain applicants, and the handling of an ethics complaint. New business addressed X-ray copy standards for complaints, supervision documentation for hygienist license renewals, CE Course Approvals, appointments to the ADEX Examination Council, and a discussion regarding a rule change for out-of-state pro bono work for CE credit. The Board also addressed the Smile Direct FTC Annual Compliance Report and accepted the resignation of the Executive Director. Licensing actions included approvals for Dental and Dental Hygiene license applications. Enforcement activities resulted in several cases being dismissed due to a lack of evidence, while others were set for hearing or settled with administrative fines. The Board also decided to hold the May meeting in Florence, Alabama.

The Board discussed and approved the meeting agenda and financial reports. An award plaque was presented for service to the Board. Various reports were presented, including the President's Report, Wellness Report, Legislative Report, and Executive Director's Report. The Board discussed public comments, time limits, and the placement of public comments on the agenda. The Board reviewed and discussed the complaint policy, conflicts regarding legal counsel, the use of Precedex, and the CRNA Level of Service. The Board also discussed the Halcion opinion draft, an Ethics Commission report, and the reinstatement/retraining of licensees. Approvals were granted for CE course applications and staff members to attend the AARB Certified Investigator Training Conference. The Board discussed and approved dental and dental hygiene license applications, as well as special volunteer licenses. Several cases were reviewed, with motions made regarding findings and potential actions. The board interviewed candidates for the Board Attorney position and offered the position to Don Harrison.

The Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama convened to address various matters, including the acceptance and ratification of a consent order, the swearing-in of a new Board member, and the election of officers. Discussions encompassed the adoption of the meeting agenda, review of board minutes from previous meetings, and a financial report presentation. The board also considered changes to Board Rule 270-x-2-.17 regarding temporary permits, and addressed ethical concerns regarding board members serving as expert witnesses in court cases. Additionally, there were public comments, a review of dental license applications, and case reviews. The board also discussed the NAPS letter requesting a waiving of the $500 renewal fee for the event on November 8, 2025.