Ortiz Evans

The meeting served as the program kickoff for the Diabetes Prevention and Management Community of Practice. Key topics discussed included an overview of the program's goals, objectives, and curriculum, strategies for cross-sectoral collaboration, and the importance of identifying and mapping referral pathways to strengthen clinical and community partnerships. Additionally, resources such as the CDC DSME toolkit and promotional playbooks were introduced to assist providers in expanding program access, visibility, and sustainability.

The meeting focused on leveraging the LinkU network and the Find Help platform to connect individuals with free or reduced-cost resources. Key discussion topics included community engagement strategies, the use of the LinkU community site versus the staff portal for data tracking and referral management, and the criteria for programs to be listed on the platform. The session also featured a live demonstration of the search functionality for various community services.

The Board of Dentistry meeting included discussions on various topics. The Executive Director reported on the AADA Conference, covering the elimination of the CDC's Division of Oral Health, infection control guidelines, and anesthesia evaluation protocols. Updates were shared on licensing, discipline, legislation, and policies in other jurisdictions, including foreign-trained dentists, unlicensed practice, and AI in dentistry. The Board also discussed the Dental Testing & Regulatory Summit and Educator Conference, highlighting the merger of CDCA, WREB, CITA, and ADEX. Legislative updates included the Community Health Amendment Act and the Medical Debt Mitigation Amendment Act. The Credentials & Audits sub-committee recommended the approval of several Dental Assistant Training Schools. The Regulatory Affairs sub-committee is working on collaborative practice agreements with dental hygienists and changes to Dental Assistant regulations. The Board also considered electing a Vice Chair and discussed the proposed Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, tabling the matter for further information.

The agenda includes introductions of board members, staff, legal counsel, department staff, and public attendees. The board approved the open session meeting agenda and the September 17, 2025, open session meeting minutes. The Executive Director's report covered license renewals, meeting dates, the dentistry census, and the vacancy for a Consumer Member. The Board Attorney's report highlighted the registration of the first Dental Assistant Level 3. The Board Chairperson emphasized the importance of the Consumer Member role. The board approved several applications on the consent agenda. Legislative updates included discussions on MMRV and COVID-19 vaccines, and the Community Health Temporary Amendment Act of 2025. The board also discussed sub-committees, consideration for a vice chair, and public comments.

The Board of Dentistry convened to discuss several key issues. The Executive Director reported on the upcoming license renewals for Fiscal Year 2026 and the merger of CDCA, WREB, CITA, and ADEX to form the American Board of Dental Examiners. The Board also discussed changes to the Health Occupations Revision Act, including telehealth provisions and the ability for dental hygienists to administer vaccines under supervision. The Board approved several organizations for dental professionals to obtain continuing education credits. The board also discussed recommendations regarding the use of derma fillers and botox for dental purposes, a pathway for foreign-trained dentists to become dental hygienists, and allowing Dental Assistant Level I to take radiographs with certification. The Board also heard a presentation on the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact from The Council of State Governments and addressed questions regarding their compact.