Tara Hetzel

The Board meeting included discussions on anesthesia permit requirements and safety courses, updates on the Alabama Impaired Professionals' Committee, and the publication of various Board Rules for public comment. Key actions involved establishing a 2027 board meeting calendar, approving travel for upcoming professional meetings, and reviewing the Executive Director's report regarding the Alabama Dental Hygiene Program (ADHP). The Board also addressed license applications for dentists and dental hygienists, authorized specific research hours for board members, and conducted an executive session to address pending litigation and administrative considerations.

The board meeting included in-service training for members and covered various administrative and regulatory topics. Key discussions involved the adoption of rule proposals regarding allied dental personnel duties, criteria for on-site inspections for anesthesia and sedation, and adverse occurrences. The board reviewed and accepted financial reports, received updates on legislative bills, and discussed the creation of a dental hygiene advisory committee. Additionally, the board approved several dental license applications, addressed requests for sedation permit reinstatements, and planned future meetings and town hall events. Presentations were held regarding general supervision for hygienists and public health guidelines.

The board conducted a two-day workshop and meeting to address regulatory and administrative dental board business. Key discussions included revisions to the Dental Practice Act, updates to anesthesia inspection protocols and airway emergency management requirements, and the establishment of a General Counsel Committee. The board evaluated financial reports, discussed ADHP program applications, and reviewed various dental and dental hygiene license applications. Furthermore, the meeting involved deliberation on consent orders, pending litigation in executive session, and policies regarding Board Compensation and the Alabama Impaired Professionals Committee.

The Board discussed various administrative matters including the approval of the annual newsletter, continuing education requirements, and the adoption of remediation programs for hygienists. Key business topics included appointments to the board attorney sub-committee, discussions on the General Counsel position, and approvals for upcoming events. The Board addressed dental and dental hygiene license applications, reviewed various legal and enforcement cases, and conducted an executive session to discuss a licensee. Furthermore, the meeting involved discussions on legislative updates, the development of policies for settlement agreements, and the management of pending litigation.

The board discussed and addressed several professional and administrative items. Key topics included the review of student status in the ADHP program, the approval of the NAPS event, and the issuance of a Special Volunteer License. Additionally, the board approved continuing education courses, finalized a job description for the board attorney, and authorized the distribution of a licensee survey. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to a work session on drafting DPA and Board Rule changes, including discussions on license renewal frequencies, board election guidelines, supervision levels for hygienists and assistants, and modernization of record retention and electronic records standards.