what's new

March 2024

NC Dental Board adopts Position Statement on selection of a Dental and Dental Hygiene Compact

To read the statement, click here.

January 2024

FAQs on Prescribing of Gabapentin

This correspondence was provided to us with the final version of the North Carolina Controlled Substance Reporting System (NC CSRS) Gabapentin Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document.

Per legislative Session 2023-2024, North Carolina GS 90-113.70 requires the dispensers of controlled substances to report these dispensations to the North Carolina Controlled Substances Reporting System. HB 190 Section 11.2 G.S. 90-113.73(c) included the required reporting of Gabapentin as a substance of interest for practitioners and dispensers effective March 1, 2024, and effective for veterinarians March 1, 2025.

This Gabapentin FAQ document has been designed to provide clear answers to common questions arising from this change. Click here to access the information.

March 2023

Opioid Course

Click for information on new opioid course offered by AchieveCE: Controlled Substance Prescriptions in Dentistry

February 2023

New Dates for Opioid and Mental Health/Substance Abuse Courses

2023 schedule for safe opiate prescribing is available @ ce-dojo.com

Also available, a mental health and substance abuse awareness course given by Dr Roger Moore PhD - an NC licensed clinical psychologist. The course schedule is also available @ ce-dojo.com

January 2023

UPDATED Dates for the Claytor Opioid Course

Click here for UPDATED information on and 2023 schedule for Dr. Claytor's opioid course released January 25.

December 2022

Important New Rules Go Into Effect

Two new sets of rules were recently approved by the Rules Review Commission of the NC General Assembly that will widely impact both applicants and current licensees.

  • Applicants for a dental or dental hygiene license may now take their clinical examination either on a live patient or a manikin.
    Dental: 21 NCAC 16B .0303(d)(1), and
    Hygiene: 21 NCAC 16C .0303(d)(1)

  • Current dental and dental hygiene licensees must now complete a one-hour continuing education course every two years on the subject of substance abuse and mental health.
    Dental: 21 NCAC 16R .0206, and
    Hygiene: 21 NCAC 16I .0206
    This one-hour course is to be counted among the number of CE hours currently required and DOES NOT add hours to the current requirement. The course may be taken anytime in 2023 or 2024 to meet the requirements of license renewal for 2025 and will follow this once every two-year pattern thereafter.

April 2022

New Opioid Courses Available

Pain Management in Dentistry: Opioids, Substance Use Disorders and More

June 17, 2022 live webinar
June 24, 2022 in-person

Jointly provided by Eastern AHEC, Greensboro AHEC, and the NC Department of Health and Human Services – Division of Public Health. Additional details and Registration information can be found here.

It’s 2022, Why Are We Still Discussing Opioid Use? Live Webinar
UNC Adams School of Dentistry

Dates & Registration Information may be found here.

April 2022

UPDATED Dates for the Claytor Opioid Course

Click here for UPDATED information on and schedule for Dr. Claytor's opioid course released March 31.

March 2022

Opioid Course Available

Another option for opiate compliance continuing education: CE dojo

February 2022

Interpretive Statement on Elective Cosmetic Procedures

The Board has revised an earlier statement on elective cosmetic procedures and the use of certain medications primarily used for cosmetic enhancement. The revision is based on peer-reviewed scientific studies demonstrating the efficacy of certain of these drugs in treating dental conditions. To read the interpretive statement, click here.

Note: An interpretive statement is intended to provide guidance to licensees as to how the Board interprets laws or rules that govern the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene. They are not intended to be comprehensive or to set out exhaustively every standard that might apply in every circumstance. Interpretive statements are not enforceable as a law or rule but do set forth criteria that may be used by the Board should a disciplinary question arise.

June 2021

Updated List of Approved Courses for Sedation Permits

This is our most current list of Board approved courses for Sedation permits. Courses may be submitted for approval by sending information and request to the Board Offices. To access the list, please click here.

S.T.O.P. Act Goes into Full Effect July 7th

S.T.O.P – do not write another prescription for a controlled substance before you read this important announcement from the NC Department of Health and Human Services!

NC DHHS document for prescibers

May 2021

New Opioid Course Now Available

Treating Pain Safely: 2021 Online Update for Prescribers for Safe Opioid Prescribing
MAHEC

Dates & Registration Information may be found here.

April 2021

New Opioid Courses Available

Controlled Substances and North Carolina Dentists: Approved Procedures for Prescribing and Monitoring While Safely and Effectively Managing Pain and Anxiety
UNC Adams School of Dentistry

Dates & Registration Information may be found here.

March 2021

Approval Granted for Dentists to Administer COVID-19 Vaccinations

The provisions outlined below were extended by Executive Order #211 and are now in effect through August 8, 2021 unless subsequently modified by the Governor.

https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO211-DHHS-Provisions-Extension.pdf

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Governor Cooper’s Executive Order #193 https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO193-DHHS-Extension.pdf in conjunction with recently enacted Administrative Orders from the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the State Health Director, and the NC State Board of Dental Examiners now allow dentists to administer COVID-19 vaccinations in North Carolina. Full provisions of all orders regarding individual training and education, handling and administration of the vaccine, and patient education and follow-up are continually and contemporaneously in effect.

Executive Summary of Important Information on Vaccine Requirements

DHHS Secretarial Order No. 8

March 3, 2021 Dental Board Order regarding Dentists Administering Vaccinations

NC State Health Director's Standing Order for FDA authorized COVID-19 Vaccine Administration

February 2021

UPDATED Dates for the Claytor Opioid Course and Others

Click here for UPDATED information on and schedule for Dr. Claytor's opioid course released February 3.

Updated opioid webinar schedule has been released by Old Well Consulting. Here is link for more information.

September 2020

New Opioid Course Offered

UNC is offering a course to satisfy the annual requirement for opioid prescribing. Click here for more information.


Burnout Survey for NC Dentists and Dental Hygienists

Dr. Bill Claytor of the NC Caring Dental Professionals has requested we post info about the Burnout Survey for Dentists and Dental Hygienists. Please click these links to read the information and participate:

Dentists
Dental Hygienists

August 2020

Response to Inquiry on Use of Ketalar in Moderate Conscious Sedation

Recently, the Board was asked if a moderate conscious sedation permit holder could administer or supervise a CRNA administering Ketalar (ketamine hydrochloride) to induce a level of moderate conscious sedation. On July 10, 2020, the Board approved and issued a response to the inquiry. Based on its review of the relevant sedation rules and the FDA-approved manufacturer's label for Ketalar, the Board concludes that it would be a violation of the Board's rules for a moderate conscious sedation or a moderate pediatric conscious sedation permit holder to administer Ketalar, or to supervise a CRNA in administering Ketalar. Click here to read the Board's response.

July 2020

Latest Updates Regarding Covid Sterilization Reports and CPR Information

To read the Board's latest updates regarding COVID Sterilization Reports, click here.

To read the latest information regarding CPR certification, click here.

June 2020

Message from the Board President

Click here to read the remarks made by the Board President, Dr. Merlin Young, at the June 12, 2020 Board Meeting.

May 2020

New Opioid Classes Scheduled

New opioid classes have been scheduled by Old Well Consulting. Here is link for more information.

March-April-May 2020

Important Info on COVID-19

Click here to read statement on providing dental services during the COVID-19 pandemic adopted by the NC State Board of Dental Examiners.
The Board statement has been updated to include a link to the most recent guidance issued by the CDC this week, which the Board highly recommends dentists and other dental professionals review prior to providing dental services. The Board continues to monitor COVID-19 developments closely and may issue additional statements as information and changing conditions demand. 

Pursuant to North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper’s Executive Order No. 130, Section 3, the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners ("Board") has been authorized to waive or modify regulatory licensure requirements temporarily for persons that meet certain qualifications, where those licensure requirements would prevent or impair allowing those persons to provide care.  This licensure application waiver and modification is temporary and is effective only until June 26, 2020, unless Executive Order Nos. 130 and 139 are further extended with a superseding Executive Order. Details may be found on each licensure page: Dental, Hygiene and Intern Posted April 21.

Link to most recent OSHA Guidelines on preparing the workplace for the COVID-19 Virus. Posted April 2.

Here is the latest information regarding COVID-19 released on March 27.
Click here for COVID-19 Definitions of Emergency Treatment.
Click here regarding use of Teledentistry during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Click here for information from the NC Pharmacy Board regarding Prescribing Abuses during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Click here to read the information we were asked to share by the Department of Health and Human Services regarding COVID-19 on March 20.

Click here to read the Board Statement regarding dental practices and COVID-19 issued on March 18.

Click here to see a State by State comparison on Dental Recommendations on COVID-19.

Click here to read the Board Statement regarding dental practices and COVID-19 issued on March 16.

March 2020

New Interpretive Statement

Click here for the Board’s Interpretive Statement Regarding Auxiliaries Providing Assistance in Administering Sedation or Anesthesia


Explanation of New Public Health Hygiene Rules

The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) has adopted amendments to rule |21 NCAC 16W .0101 and new rule 21 NCAC 16W .0104|, both of which are effective February 1, 2020. Click here to read an overview of the changes.

February 2020

UPDATED Dates for the Claytor Opioid Course

Click here for UPDATED information on and schedule for Dr. Claytor's opioid course as of June 15, 2020.


Statement on New Public Health Hygiene Rules

The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) has adopted amendments to rule |21 NCAC 16W .0101 and new rule 21 NCAC 16W .0104|, both of which are effective February 1, 2020. These rules are being amended and adopted to increase access to care in underserved areas of the State. In dental access shortage areas, Rule 16W .0104 permits a public health hygienist to perform clinical hygiene procedures based on a dentist's written standing order rather than requiring a supervising dentist's in-person evaluation. The Board expects that treatment provided by a public health hygienist under this rule will be done based on a standing order, absent an individual patient’s clinical need for the dentist to conduct a prior in-person evaluation.

May 2019

Professionalism Course for Newly Licensed Dentists

All dentists licensed after January 1, 2019 are required to take a six-hour course on Professionalism and Ethics. A course that meets this requirement will be offered by the NC Dental Society. Click here for information on registering for this course.

Upcoming Opioid Courses

Dental Pain Management 2019: Developments in Policy and Practice COST: $80
UNC Adams School of Dentistry

June 21, 2019 8:30-10:00AM Register here.

August 23, 2019 8:30-10:00AM Register here.

October 3, 2019 5:30-7:00PM Register here.

February 2019

Interpretive Statement regarding Informed Consent

A link to the Interpretive Statement regarding Informed Consent may be found on the Rules and Laws page or by clicking here.

January 2019

Upcoming Opioid Courses

Opioid Prescribing course
February 21, 2019
Henry Schein Dental
625 Hutton St
Raleigh, NC
New Opioid course offered by The Old Well Consulting Group
Visit their FB page for information.

N.C. Dental Opioid Prescribing Course: UPDATE 2019 Bill Claytor, Jr., DDS, MAGD
Click here for dates and registration information

July 2018

Upcoming Opioid Courses

From Sharon Fischer, Program Coordinator
Governor's Institute
919.256-7419 (direct)
919.990.9559 (main)
sharon@govinst.org
We are having a dental training on July 17 in Morehead City. Here is a link to the flier for more information.
Thank you!

New Opioid course offered by The Old Well Consulting Group
Visit their FB page for information.

May 2018

Updated List of Approved Courses for Sedation Permits

This is our most current list of Board approved courses for Sedation permits. Courses may be submitted for approval by sending information and request to the Board Offices. To access the list, please click here.

March 2017

Proposed Rule Changes regarding Self-Referrals

Information on proposed rule changes at the Department of Health and Human Services regarding Self-Referrals of Healthcare Providers may be found here. Time-sensitive with regard to making comment.

February 2017

New State Law Requires Opioid Prescribing Course

As a condition of dental license renewal for 2018, all licensees who have a current DEA registration MUST complete an annual CE course of at least one hour that shall include, but not be limited to, instruction on controlled substance prescribing practice and controlled substance prescribing for chronic pain management.

Courses may be taken in-person or online. The following courses, while not an exhaustive list, have been approved as meeting this requirement. Courses do not have to be approved by the Board.

In those instances where the CE course awards more than one hour credit, licensees may apply the additional credit toward the general requirement of patient care and count all hours toward the 15 hour requirement necessary for license renewal.

Training Course for NC Dentists in Opioid Prescribing - Dr. Ray Dionne

Opioid Epidemic: Guidance for Healthcare Providers - 2-25-17 in Iredell County

Several upcoming courses offered at Wake AHEC

Safe Opioid Prescribing for Acute Dental Pain

The Opioid Epidemic: Guidance for Stokes County Health Providers

The Opioid Epidemic: Guidance for Dare County Health Providers

Best Prescribing Practices for Opioid Use in Dentistry
2nd District NCDS Fall Meeting, September 8, 2017
Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge, Charlotte

For online registration, click here.

Treating Pain Safer: One Hour Online Course for Safe Opioid Prescribing - MAHEC
Link to MAHEC website for enrollment.

Guidance for Nash County Health Providers - Area L AHEC

N. C. Dental Opioid Prescribing Course: UPDATE 2018 Bill Claytor, Jr., DDS, MAGD
(Sponsored by the N. C. Caring Dental Professionals)
Click here for dates and registration information



Dental Pain Pharmacotherapy: Considerations in Today’s Healthcare Landscape
May 22, 2018 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Kimberly Sanders, PharmD, BCPS
UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy

https://www.charlotteahec.org/continuing-professional-development/event.cfm?eventid=54138

December 2016

Hand-held Dental Radiation Generating Devices

Information regarding Sales of Hand-held Dental Radiation Generating Devices (RDGs) may be found here.

November 2016

CSRS Registration

For information on registering for the CSRS, please visit this site.

July 2012

Session Law 2012-187 (Senate Bill 810) was signed by the Governor on July 16, 2012 and is now effective. See changes affecting rulemaking specifically GS 150B-19.1 in Section 3.

August 2011

Amended Rules Allow Dentists and Dental Hygienists to take all
continuing education classes online.
(Amended rule 21NCAC 16R.0103 and 21NCAC 16I.0102)

Amended Rules create new categories of "retired dentist" and designate total number of CE hours necessary for each category.
(Amended rule 21NCAC 16R.0106)

Note:
An advertising flyer from the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS) incorrectly stated that use of any (emphasis in the original) oral sedative used in-office requires a sedation permit.  The NC Dental Board's policy is that "administration of a single dose of a minor psychosedative to children or adults prior to the commencement of treatment on the day of the appointment..." is considered anxiolysis and DOES NOT require a sedation permit (21NCAC 16Q.0101(3)).

A dentist whose use of a minor psychosedative complies with this 
definition of anxiolysis need not attend the DOCS course.

Board-Approved Pediatric CE Sedation Courses
(Other Courses may be available that are not listed)

Note: "Board Approval" indicates that a continuing education course appears to meet certain specifications as described in the Board's rules.  However, the Dental Board does not endorse or recommend any particular continuing education course and is not responsible for the quality of any course content.

This UNC School of Dentistry Continuing Dental Education course meets the CE requirements for annual renewal of the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners pediatric sedation permit.

Contemporary Sedation of Children for the Dental Practice:
Enteral and Parental Techniques

http://www.adsahome.org/index.html
Information on Course in PDF format

Functions of the Board of Dental Examiners
The administration of licensure examinations for dentists and dental hygienists
The promulgation of rules and enforcement of laws and regulations governing the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene in this state
The issuance and renewal of licenses to dentists and dental hygienists