New Mexico Dental Hygienist Committee
REGULAR COMMITTEE MEETING
Friday, April 25, 2014
Santa Fe, NM
MEETING MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER
At 8:02 a.m. The Committee Chair, Ms. Ermelinda Baca, RDH, called the New Mexico Dental Hygienist Committee
Meeting, April 25, 2014 meeting to order.
2. ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Ermelinda Baca, RDH
Denise Teague-Myrick, RDH
Melissa Barbara, RDH
Sarah Kay Thiel, RDH
Burrell Tucker, DDS
Kimberly Martin, DMD
Robert Blewer, Public Member
Richard Hatch, Public Member
MEMBERS ABSENT: Laura Moss, RDH
OTHERS PRESENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
Jennifer Salazar, Assistant Attorney General
Roberta Perea, Board Administrator
Melissa Saiz, Administrative Assistant
Michelle Padilla, Compliance Liaison
Amos Padilla, Team Leader
Roll Call was taken by Roberta Perea and a quorum was determined present.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Ms. Melissa Barbara, RDH made a MOTION to approve the agenda as written . Ms. Denise Teague-Myrick,
RDH SECONDED the motion which was PASSED by UNANIMOUS APPROVAL .
4. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
October 25, 2013 Rule Hearing
Ms. Melissa Barbara, RDH made a MOTION to approve the minutes of the October 25, 2013 Rule Hearing minutes as written. Ms. Denise Teague-Myrick, RDH SE CONDED the motion which was PASSED by UNANIMOUS
APPROVAL .
January 24, 2014 Regular Committee Meeting
Ms. Denise Teague-Myrick, RDH made a MOTION to approve the minutes of the January 24, 2014 Regular
Meeting minutes as written. Mr. Richard Hatch SE CONDED the motion which was PASSED by UNANIMOUS
APPROVAL .

5. REPORTS
A.
Chair’s Report – Ms. Ermelinda Baca, RDH
Written report attached (Attachment A)
In addition to the written report Ms. Ermelinda reported that she attended a rules committee meeting and met with Ms. Melissa Barbara, RDH and Dr. Balderamos, DDS to work on updating the x-ray grading criteria.
Ms. Ermelinda Baca also introduced and welcomed new Committee member Sarah Kay Thiel, RDH from district 1.
Secretary’s Report – Ms. Melissa Barbara, RDH
Ms. Melissa Barbara, RDH reported to the board that from January 14, 2014 thru April 1, 2014 the following licenses were issued:
2 Dental Hygiene licenses issued by Examination
1 Dental Hygiene licenses issued by Credentials
2 Dental Hygiene by Collaborative Practice
Ms. Denise Teague-Myrick, RDH made a MOTION to ratify the Boards Secretaries approval of new licensees report into record. Mr. Robert Blewer SECONDED the motion which was PASSED by UNANIMOUS
APPROVAL .
B.
WREB Report – Ms. Ermelinda Baca, RDH
Written report attached (Attachment B)
In addition to the written report Ms. Ermelinda Baca, RDH reported that the WREB Dental Hygiene exam in
Albuquerque was canceled due to not enough candidates.
D.
CRDTS Report – Ms. Ermelilnda Baca, RDH
No report given
E.
NERB Report – Ms. Denise Teague-Myrick, RDH
Verbal report
F.
SRTA Report – No Report Given
G.
CITA Report – Dr. Kimberly Martin, DMD
No report given
H.
ADEX Report – No Report Given
I.
AADB Report – Ms. Ermelinda Baca, RDH
Verbal report
J.
NM Health Services – Dr. Devi Gajapathi
No report given
K.
NMDHA Report – Ms. Mary Kaye Vigil, RDH
Written report attached (Attachment C)
L.
UNM Report – Ms. Christine Nathe, RDH
Verbal report
M.
San Juan Report – Dr. Julis Manz, DDS
Written report attached (Attachment D)
N.
Dona Ana Community College – Ms. Kathleen Bettinger, RDH
No report

O.
Eastern New Mexico University, Roswell
No report
P.
PIMA Report – Ms. Melissa Plese, RDH
Written report attached (Attachment E)
Q.
NM Department of Health – Ms. Carol Hanson, RDH
Written report attached (Attachment F)
R.
Rules Committee – Dr. Charles Schumacher, DDS
Dr. Charles Schumacher, DDS reported that the board and hygienist committee will be holding a rule hearing in
October.
S.
Ad- Hoc Reports – No report given
T.
Health Action NM – Pamela Blackwell
Written report attached (Attachment G)
Dr. Kimberly Martin, DMD made a Motion form a committee to further research the dental therapist issue as well as the proposed legislation. The Dental Hygienist Committee chair and the Dental Health Care chair will appoint this committee. Ms. Denise Teague-Myrick SECONDED the motion which was PASSED by UNANIMOUS
APPROVAL .
6. OLD BUSINESS
A.
Confirm Future Meeting Dates and Locations
July Committee Meeting – July 18, 2014, Ruidoso
October Committee Meeting – October 17, 2014, Albuquerque
January Committee Meeting – January 30, 2015, Santa Fe
April Committee Meeting – April 24, 2015, Santa Fe
7. NEW BUSINESS
A. National Safety Council – Request for CPR Course Approval.
Dr. Burrell Tucker, DDS made a MOTION to approve the CPR course given by National Safety Council. Ms.
Melissa Barbara, RDH SECONDED the motion which was PASSED by UNANIMOUS APPROVAL .
B. EMS Safety Services – Request for CPR Course Approval.
Dr. Kimberly Martin, DMD made a MOTION to approve the CPR course given by EMS Safety Services. Ms.
Denise Teague-Myrick, RDH SECONDED the motion which was PASSED by UNANIMOUS APPROVAL .
C. Dissemination of Information Regarding X-Ray Grading Criteria- Ms. Ermelinda Baca, RDH
Ms. Ermelinda Baca, RDH reported to the Hygienist Committee that she, Ms. Melissa Barbara, RDH and Dr.
Leo Balderamos, DDS worked on updating x-ray grading criteria in order to provide more uniformity in x-ray grading.
J. Public Comment
None

IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Chair: I will hear a motion for closure of the meeting to enter into Executive Session.
Committee Member Ms. Melissa Barbara, RDH : I move that the New Mexico Dental Hygienist Committee close this meeting in order to enter into Executive Session to discuss the items listed in the agenda. Pursuant to Sections 10-15-1 H
1of the Open Meetings Act authorizing closed sessions for matters related to issuance, suspension, renewal, revocation of a license.
Ms. Denise Teague-Myrick, RDH SECONDED the motion.
Chair: Would the Board Administrator take a roll call vote to enter into Executive Session?
Roll Call Vote:
Laura Moss, RDH
Ms. Ermelinda Baca, RDH
Denise Myrick-Teague, RDH
Sarah Kay Thiel, RDH
Melissa Barbara, RDH absent
Aye
Aye
Aye
Aye
Burrell Tucker, DDS
Kimberly Martin, DMD
Robert Blewer, Public Member
Richard Hatch, Public Member
Aye
Aye
Aye
Aye
Chair: The motion was approved by a unanimous approval. Let the record show that at 8:47 a.m. the Committee entered into closed session and the recorder was turned off.
Back in Open Session
Let the record show that the recorder was turned back on. The New Mexico Dental Hygienist Committee returned to open session at 10:07 a.m. Pursuant to 10-15-H (1). of the Open Meetings Act, the matters discussed in the closed meeting were limited only to those specified on the agenda pertaining to licensing matters.
7. COMMITTEE ACTION ON MATTERS DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Let the record show that the Complaint Committee Members Mr. Robert Blewer and Dr. Kimberly Martin,
DMD abstained from voting on committee recommended cases.
(Items listed on Agenda)
Discussion and Committee Action:
13-20-COM
Ms. Melissa Barbara, RDH made a MOTION to refer to the AGO for a Pre-NCA Settlement Agreement for violation of 61-5A-
21 A (5) (7) (10), 16.5.16.10 B (13) & (15) with the following terms proposed for early resolution: Respondent shall pay a fine of $2,000.00 within 30 days of the signed agreement; Respondent shall successfully take and pass the NM Dental Jurisprudence
Examination within 30 days of the signed agreement; Respondent shall complete 8 hours of board approved CE in the area of
Ethics (half of the CE’s may be taken online) within 90 days of the signed agreement. Continuing education hours cannot be used toward the triennial renewal. Should the Pre-NCA Settlement Agreement fail the AGO may proceed with the issuance of a
Notice of Contemplated Action. Ms. Denise Teague-Myrick, RDH SECONDED the motion. Motion PASSED by
UNANIMOUS APPROVAL .
13-101-COM
Ms. Melissa Barbara, RDH made a MOTION to dismiss this case. Ms. Denise Teague-Myrick, RDH SECONDED the motion.
Motion PASSED by UNANIMOUS APPROVAL .

14-07-COM
Ms. Melissa Barbara, RDH made a MOTION to dismiss this case. Ms. Denise Teague-Myrick, RDH SECONDED the motion.
Motion PASSED by UNANIMOUS APPROVAL .
13-95-APP
Ms. Melissa Barbara, RDH made a MOTION to issue an NCA to deny the application to administer local anesthesia under general supervision because the applicant does not meet the requirements for certification under rule 16.5.28.8. Ms. Denise
Teague-Myrick, RDH SECONDED the motion. Motion PASSED by UNANIMOUS APPROVAL
Ms. Ermelinda Baca, RDH recused herself from voting on this case.
Request for Retirement:
Ida M. Saucedo
Ms. Melissa Barbara, RDH made a MOTION to approve the request for retirement status pending submission of all required documentation listed under 16.5.25.8. Ms. Denise Teague-Myrick SECONDED the motion. Motion PASSED by
UNANIMOUS APROVAL
8. ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the Committee, Ms. Melissa Barbara, RDH made a MOTION at 10:12 a.m. to adjourn the Dental Hygiene Committee meeting. Ms. Denise Teague-Myrick, RDH SECONDED the motion. Motion PASSED by UNANIMOUS APPROVAL.
Submitted by:
Roberta Perea, Board Administrator
___________
Date
Approved by: ________________________________________ ___________
Ermelinda Baca, RDH Chair Date

(Attachment A)
CHAIR REPORT
NEW MEXICO BOARD OF DENTAL
HEALTHCARE-DENTAL HYGIENISTS COMMITTEE
SUBMITTED BY ERMELINDA BACA, RDH
APRIL 25, 2014
FEBRUARY 28, 2014--SERVED AS A HEARING OFFICER
MARCH 4, 2014-SERVED AS A DENTAL HYGIENE NERB EXAMINER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI
MARCH 21, 2014-ATTENDED THE WREB HERB MEETING IN PHOENIX, AZ

(Attachment B)
NEW MEXICO DENTAL HYGIENISTS COMMITTEE
WREB REPORT (HERB)
SUBMITTED BY: ERMELINDA BACA, RDH
APRIL 25, 2014
The Hygiene Exam Review Board met on March 21, 2014 in Phoenix, AZ.
UPDATES:

WREB HAS NOT RAISED EXAM FEES IN 5 YEARS

NEVADA JOINED WREB IN JULY, 2014

THERE ARE 18 MEMBER STATES IN WREB

38 STATES ACCEPT WREB EXAMS

THE DENTAL PORTFOLIO EXAM WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CALIFORNIA IN 2014 AND HYGIENE IS
CONSIDERING DEVELOPING A PORTFOLIO EXAM AS WELL.

ADEX HAS MADE THE PERIO PORTION IN THEIR DENTAL EXAM OPTIONAL.

CITA AND SERTA WILL ADMINISTER ADEX IN 2014.

CALIFORNIA NOW ACCEPTS CRDTS AS WELL.

WREB DENTAL HYGIENE NOW HAS ONLINE RADIOGRAPHIC CALIBRATION.

LOOKING AT CONVERTING THE LOCAL ANESTHESIA WRIITEN EXAM FROM MULTIPLE CHOICE TO A CASE
BASED EXAM.

EXPENSWIRE IS NOW IMPLEMENTED.

REORGANIZING ACCOUNTING FUNTIONS TO BE MORE EFFICIIENT AND ACCURATE.

HYGIENE COMMITTEE DEVELOPING AND ELECTRONIC HYGIENE TYPODONT CALIBRATION.

HYGIENE COMMITTEE DEVELOPING SECURE MOBILE REMOTE TESTING FOR THE POC EXAM.

CONVERTING TO ONLINE SURVEYS FOR ALL POST-EXAM EVLAUATIONS.

DEVELOPING AN ADVOCACY COMMITTEE TO CARRY WREB'S MESSAGE TO EXTERNAL CONSTITUENTS.

DENTAL HYGIENE EXAM CANDIDATES WILL NO LONGER BE ALLOWED TO ADMINISTER LOCAL ANESTHESIA
PRIOR TO CHECK IN.(MORE PATIENT FRIENDLY, EVEN PLAYING FIELD, IMPROVE EXAM FLOW)
PSYCOMETRIC UPDATES

PASS RATES--DENTAL HYGIENE EXAM 82%, LOCAL ANESTHESIA-79%, RESTORATIVE 68%
(FIRST ATTEMPTS)

(RETAKE PASS RATES) DENTAL HYGIENE-95%, LOCAL ANESTHESIA-93%, RESTORATIVE -81%

RESTORATIVE EXAM NOW WILL REQUIRE REMEDIATION AFTER 2 UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS DUE TO THE
FAILURE RATE.

NO STATISTICAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EFDA AND DENTAL HYGIENISTS

EXAMINER AGREEMENT-CONSISTANT EXAM SITE AVERAGES EVERY YEAR-88% CALIBRATION
POSSIBLE FUTURE DENTAL HYGIENE EXAM MODIFICATIONS

CUT DOWN ON CHECK IN TIME TO INCREASE TREATMENT TIME

PATIENT CRITERIA-ACCEPTABLE PATIENTS WILL BE ASA 1-3. ASA 3 REQUIRING MEDICAL CLEARANCE


EIO VIDEO IN THE PROCESS OF CARE EXAM WILL BE MORE CASE BASED PRESENTATIONS

POC TEST SPECIFICATIONS MAY CHANGE TO 20% HEALTH RISK, EIO; 35% PERIO ASSESSMENT, 25% DH CARE
PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND 20% OUTCOMES EVALUATION

MAY CHANGE REMEDATION/RETAKE POLICIES FOR THE LOCAL ANESTHSIA EXAM SEPERATE REMEDIATION
REQUIREMETS FOR THE WRITTEN AND CLINICAL NOT COMBINE

RESTORATIVE: (2016) WILL BE USING ACUDENTAL PREFORMED PREPS. THIS WILL ALLOW FOR MORE
CONSISTANT PREPS AT ALL EXAMS, WILL ALLOW TO CHECK THE CCLUSION, BETTER EMBRASURE SPACE TO
MIMIC REAL LIFE, MANUFACTURED IN THE US, WILL REDUCE COST, BETTER REPLICATION OF HUMAN
DENTITION, WILL ELIMINATE THE CHECK IN PROCESS, WILL REDUCE SET UP TIME, AND WILL REDUCE
CANDIDATE ANXIETY OVER PREP ACCEPTANCE.

(Attachment C)
NMDHA Report to the Dental Hygienists’ Committee
April 25, 2014, 9:00 am, Toney Anaya Building, Santa Fe, NM
Update on happenings within the Dental Hygienists community:
Albuquerque Day just concluded with good attendance and great CE courses, sponsored by HDDHS.
NMDHA participated as judges for PMI Table Clinics on April 7 , 2014.
NM Legislative session recently concluded without the successful passage of the Dental Therapist bill.
The next public hearing for Albuquerque water fluoridation is April 9, 2014 NMDHA is participating in the campaign advocating for fluoridation through the NM Oral Health Advisory Council.
UNM Table Clinics will be held on April 17, 2014 at UNM
NMDHA Midyear CE and General Membership Meeting will be held April 25, 2014, offering OSHA and CPR traning.
May 1, 2014 HDDHS Elections/Business Mtg/2CE’s/Salsa Cook-off “Basic Spanish Terminology for the Dental Professional”. At the UNM Domenici Center 6-8:30pm.
May 8, 2014 Dona Ana Community College Graduation
May 10, 2014 SJCC Graduation
May 16, 2014 NMDHA is sponsoring a Laser CE course.
UNM Graduation is May 17, 2014 at Popejoy Hall
NMDHA is continually updating the web site with current information on upcoming events.
NMDHA will participate this year in District IX meetings via web access to see if this is the way of the future for the tri state meetings.
June 18-24, 2014 ADHA CLL at the 91st Annual Session, Caesars Palace Las Vegas, NV.
NMDHA MISSION STATEMENT
To represent dental hygienists in continuing to improve the oral health of our community by being innovative in increasing access to oral healthcare.
VISION STATEMENT
To elevate the dental hygiene profession by promoting education, expanding the opportunities for practice, and enhancing access to quality oral healthcare.
Mary Kaye Vigil, RDH, BSDH
NMDHA President

(Attachment D)
Report of the San Juan College Dental Hygiene Program to the New Mexico Board of
Dental Health Care.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Dr. Julius N. Manz – Director
San Juan College Dental Programs
4601 College Blvd
Farmington, NM 87402
Phone: 505-566-3018, e-mail: manzj@sanjuancollege.edu
Faculty and Staff:
Full Time:
Julius N. Manz DDS – Director
Sherry Paxson, RDH – First Year Clinic Coordinator
Elizabeth Onik – Second Year Clinical Coordinator
Ruby Woodard – Program Administrative Assistant
Georgia Cotie – Clinical Manager
Dalene Meek – Clinic Administrative Assistant
Adjunct:
Chuck Schumacher, DDS
Craig Layton, DDS
Jared Southwell, DDS
Dennis Miller, DMD
Phil Dunn, DDS
Jennifer Thompson, DDS
Becky Miller, RDH
Mandi Pickering, RDH
Brittany Nichols, RDH
Nancy Rhein, RDH, PA
Julie Boggess, RDH
Lorrie Smith, RDH
Jennifer Ponthieux, RDH
Krysta Caudill, RDH
Carrie Maloy, RDH
Advisory Council:
Dr. Chuck Schumacher
Dr. Ronald Johnson
Dr. Gene Hilton
Amy Davis, RDH
Becky Miller, RDH
Linda Parks, RDH
Michelle Tensay, Public member
Kallie McLaughlin, Dental Hygiene Student Senior Class
Accreditation:
The San Juan College Dental Hygiene Program is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental
Accreditation. The Programs next Accreditation site visit will be in 2017.
Staffing Changes
The Program has hired Ms. Elizabeth Onik, RDH as the Second Year Clinical Coordinator. Ms. Onik has been a faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine.

Class of 2013/2014
National Boards:
The classes of 2013 are all fully licensed.
The class of 2014 is scheduled to take the NBDHE in March of 2014
WREB Local Anesthesia Boards
100% of the class of 2014 have taken and passed their WREB Local Anesthesia Boards.
Clinical Boards
The class of 2014 will begin taking clinical boards in April 2014
Graduates
The Program will be graduating 11 students on May 10, 2014.
Applications:
The Program is in the process of accepting applications for the class of 2016.
Facilities
The Program continues to enjoy a state-of-the-art facility.
Civic/Community Activities
Mission of Mercy – The Program will participate with both classes in the Oct 23-26 2014 MOM in Rio
Rancho
Participated in GKAS: Feb 7, 2014
Nursing home – Senior student rotation to provide preventive dental care to residents of Life Care nursing home.
Indian Health service – Senior student rotation with IHS
School Educational Programs – Senior student rotation providing oral health education to area schools
(elementary to high school)
Head Start assessments, education and fluoride program
IHS Sealant Program
Special Needs Clinic
Dr. Julius N. Manz, Director

(Attachment E)
Pima Medical Institute
Dental Hygiene Program
Report to the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care & Dental Hygiene Committee
April 25, 2014
Current Demographics of Cohorts: The current census of the two cohorts enrolled in the Dental Hygiene
Program reflects the following statistics:
There are currently 54 active students enrolled in the program. Cohort 3 has 24 students and Cohort 4 has 30 students. Cohort 4 started March 24, 2014
Graduating Class/Class of 2014:
Pima Medical Institute recently graduated its second cohort on March 14, 2014
Graduation Rate, Exam Pass Rate, and Employment Rate o Program Completion/Graduation Rate = 21/30; 70% o National Exam Pass Rate = in process; graduates currently testing o WREB Local Anesthesia Exam Pass Rate = 21/21; 100% (first attempt) o CRDTS Clinical Exam Pass Rate = scheduled to occur 4/4/14- 4/6/14 o Employment Rates= pending completion of boards and licensure
Community Outreach/Clinical Activities:
Students are currently raising funds to allow them participate in the upcoming New Mexico Mission of Mercy
Project to be held in Rio Rancho on October 24 and 25
Community/Professional Activities:
Cohort 2 presented their table clinic presentations on March 7, 2014. The Program applied and received approval for continuing education credit by the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care. The event was held at the North
Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center and was sponsored by Henry Schien. Forty one dental professional attended the event and received continuing education credits.
Dental Hygiene faculty will present an advanced dental hygiene instrumentation continuing education course hosted by High Desert Dental Hygienists’ Society on April 24, 2014 at Pima Medical Institute.
Regulatory Affairs:
The Program submitted a report of change to the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) that was considered at the January 29, 2014 meeting. The Commission granted the proposed change that increases the length o f the program from 84.5 to 86.5 credit hours and degree awarded from an Associate of Occupational Science (AOS) to an
Associate of Applied Science (AAS). The Program has further received approval from the intuitional accrediting agency: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and is awaiting final approval from the New
Mexico Higher Education Department.

In closing, Pima Medical Institute’s Albuquerque Dental Hygiene Program is proud of our accomplishments thus far and looks forward to continuing the development of future dental hygienists.
Respectfully Submitted,
Melissa (Missy) McDougal-Pleše, RDH, MS
Dental Hygiene Program Director
Pima Medical Institute- Albuquerque Campus
4400 Cutler Avenue, NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110 mplese@pmi.edu
(505) 881-1234

(Attachment F)
To: New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care and the Dental Hygiene Committee
From: Carol Hanson, RDH, BSDH, MPH
NM Dental Support Center (NMDSC) Coordinator
New Mexico DOH/PHD/HSB/OPCRH
300 San Mateo NE, Suite 900
Albuquerque, NM 87108
505-222-8685 carol.hanson@state.nm.us
Date: March 28, 2014

In partnership with the NMPCA: developed and disseminated January, February, and
March 2014 Provider Newsletters; planned and participated in January 17, 2014
NMPCA/NMDSC Provider Meeting—a total of 21 attended; planned April 4, 2014
Provider Meeting

Maintained and updated NMDSC Provider and Educator databases and distribution lists

Provided technical assistance (including providing dental sealants) for network dental providers and educators

Disseminated information on continuing education and other pertinent information to network dental providers and educators

Participated in Santa Fe Oral Health Coalition Children’s Oral Health Month
Planning on January 13, 2014

Attended NM Oral Health Advisory Council Meetings on January 17 and March 14,
2014

Attended NM Healthy Aging Collaborative Executive Committee Meetings on
January, 23 and March 17, 2014

Attended NM Board of Dental Health Care & Dental Hygienists’ Committee
Meetings on January 24, 2014

Participated in New Mexico Health Resources 2014 Retreat Planning Committee
Meetings on January 27 and February 10, 2014

Coordinated and facilitated January 28, 2014 Dental Educator Consortium conference call. Four attended from Dona Ana DH & DA Programs. Transcribed meeting minutes and disseminated to network dental educators

Participated in Youth Development Inc. Health Services Advisory Meeting on
January 29, 2014

Participated in Santa Fe High School Career Day on January 30, 2014

Attended the Early Childhood Community Resources Focus Group on February 20,
2014

Attended the UNM DH Advisory Committee Meeting February 21, 2014

Attended NM Head Start Association Meeting. Was appointed to the Board of
Directors.


Operated an exhibit booth at the NM Association for the Education of Young
Children on March 1, 2014

Participated in NM Chronic Disease Prevention Council Meeting March 18, 2014.

Participated in the Head Start Region VI Conference Planning Committee Meeting on
March 20, 2014
The Office of Oral Health and the Santa Fe Oral Health Coalition had a successful
Children’s Oral Health Month! Following Governor Susana Martinez proclamation stating
February 2014 as “Children’s Oral Health Month”, Espanola Mayor Lorraine Lucero made the official proclamation as well. DOH Cabinet Secretary Retta Ward participated in a
Dental Sealant Clinic at Nava Elementary School in Santa Fe, while Public Health Division
Deputy Director Cathy Rocke participated in a Santa Fe Head Start Fluoride Varnish Clinic.
Other activities included: promoting dental careers at Santa Fe High School Career Day, conducting oral health exams at the United Way Center and appearing in the 2014 Health and Wellness Directory for the Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper regarding United Way of
Santa Fe Preparing Children for Success Program, conducting an “Oral Health Poster” contest for the Santa Fe County Head Start Programs, addressing oral health issues on
Radio Station KSUAVE, and addressing the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water
Authority in support of re-instating community water fluoridation. OOH staff provided: dental sealants for over 540 elementary school children, fluoride varnish applications for over 76 pre-school children, and oral health education for over 375 children, Head Start parents, and other adults during the month of February.
Respectfully Submitted,
Carol Hanson

(Attachment G)
Health Action New Mexico
PO Box 460, Bernalillo, NM 87004
Office: (505) 867-­­1095 www.HealthActionNM.org info@HealthActionNM.org
April 25, 2014
RE: Dental Therapist Report
•
Dental Therapist Legislation Update
•
CODA Dental Therapist proposed Standards Update
•
Request to Formally Present to Board & Committee, Meeting with Board & Committee
Chairs
Dear NM Dental Board and Hygienist Committee Members,
We are pleased to report that on Feb. 19, HB 306/SB76 the Dental Therapist-Hygienist Licensure Bill was brought to the House floor for consideration by bill sponsor Rep. Dennis Roch (R). HB 306 passed unanimously through the House Health Government & Indian Affairs Committee, and by a vote of 12-4, by the House Judiciary Committee. This is the first time the bill has been brought to the House floor.
In addition, Governor Susana Martinez included HB 306/SB 76 on her “message” or call of bills that she felt worthy of consideration during the 2014 legislative session. Sen. Benny Shendo (D) brought SB 76 to the Senate Public Affairs Committee for consideration during the session as well.
Unfortunately, time ran short to move our bill past the house floor. However we will be bringing the legislation again in 2015 at the encouragement and request of many legislators, NM communities, medical and dental providers and organizations across NM.
HB 306/SB 76 remains and will likely remain in our 2015 legislation a bill that:
•
Includes dental therapists (DTs) as a part of New Mexico’s dental team, expanding the reach of
NM dentists to underserved communities.
•
Includes in a DTs scope of practice a range of routine treatment and restorative care services as well as prevention and education services under the off-site supervision of a dentist. o These proven, high-quality, billable services provided by DTs in the United States make
DTs a cost-effective, and proven financially viable workforce model even when only serving underserved patients.
•
Is a dental hygiene-based model so that all DTs would be dually licensed and could practice as dental therapists and as hygienists.
•
Includes a pathway for hygienists who with a minimum additional year of education and training to become DTs.
•
Allows for NM institutions of higher education to train and educate DTs.

•
Is a community-based model, so that DTs who come from and/or desire to serve underserved NM communities are nominated to attend DT training and education programs by underserved communities. As students and practitioners, DTs will reflect the culture and background of our
NM communities serving these communities.
•
Regulates DT licensure and practice. o DT licensure and practice is regulated jointly by the sitting members of the NM Dental
Board and Hygienist Committee, and one dental therapist expert/NM licensed DT similar to how collaborative practice dental hygienists are currently regulated.
Update on Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
Proposed Standards for Dental Therapist Education Programs
CODA continues to move forward with proposed standards for dental therapist education programs. This second round of proposed standards is very similar to the dental therapist model we have proposed here in
NM. The CODA proposed standards:
•
Allow for DTs to be trained at community colleges receiving associates level degrees. (The proposed standards do not require that DT education programs be bachelor’s or master’s level degree or length of programs.)
•
Allow for dental hygienists to have an abbreviated pathway to be trained and educated to practice as DTs.
•
Do not require that “diagnosis” can only be included in a dentists’ scope of practice.
Request to Formally Present and Meet with Board and Committee Chairs
We were very disappointed to learn that the board and committee decided to rescind their invitation for us to formally present to the board and committee at the April 25, 2014 meeting.
The purpose of our formal presentation is to provide the board, committee and staff with more information on dental therapist education, licensure and practice, as well as provide detailed information on our NM dental therapist legislation and answer any questions board, committee and staff may have.
During the presentation we would also welcome the input of the board and committee members to improve our proposal so that it best serves NM underserved communities and works well within the board and committee structure. Given the role that the board and committee will play in the regulation and licensing of dental therapists it would seem critical for the board and committee members to more fully understand dental therapist practice and the dental therapist legislation well in advance of passage of the legislation and before promulgating regulations.
2

New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS DIVISION
New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care and
New Mexico Dental Hygienist Committee
Toney Anaya Building ▪ P.O. Box 25101 ▪ Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
(505) 476-4680▪ Fax (505) 476-4545 ▪ www.rld.state.nm.us
We therefore respectfully request that we again be invited and allowed to formally present to the board and committee within the year.
In the meantime, we would welcome the opportunity to meet this summer with the chairs of the board and committee and staff to provide information about dental therapists, our NM dental therapist legislation, answer your questions and certainly to obtain your suggestions on improving our legislation. Please let us know within the next month what dates and times you would be available to meet.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,
Pamela K. Blackwell, JD
Project Director, Oral
Health Access Health
Action New Mexico
Pamela@HealthActionNM.
org 505.508.2768
Revision date: 01/2014

(Attachment G)
To: New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care and the Dental Hygiene Committee
From: Carol Hanson, RDH, BSDH, MPH
NM Dental Support Center (NMDSC) Coordinator
New Mexico DOH/PHD/HSB/OPCRH
300 San Mateo NE, Suite 900
Albuquerque, NM 87108
505-222-8685 carol.hanson@state.nm.us
Date: March 28, 2014

In partnership with the NMPCA: developed and disseminated January,
February, and March 2014 Provider Newsletters; planned and participated in January 17, 2014 NMPCA/NMDSC Provider Meeting—a total of 21 attended; planned April 4, 2014 Provider Meeting

Maintained and updated NMDSC Provider and Educator databases and distribution lists

Provided technical assistance (including providing dental sealants) for network dental providers and educators

Disseminated information on continuing education and other pertinent information to network dental providers and educators
 Participated in Santa Fe Oral Health Coalition Children’s Oral Health Month
Planning on January 13, 2014

Attended NM Oral Health Advisory Council Meetings on January 17 and
March 14, 2014

Attended NM Healthy Aging Collaborative Executive Committee Meetings on January, 23 and March 17, 2014
 Attended NM Board of Dental Health Care & Dental Hygienists’ Committee
Meetings on January 24, 2014

Participated in New Mexico Health Resources 2014 Retreat Planning
Committee Meetings on January 27 and February 10, 2014

Coordinated and facilitated January 28, 2014 Dental Educator Consortium conference call. Four attended from Dona Ana DH & DA Programs.
Transcribed meeting minutes and disseminated to network dental educators

Participated in Youth Development Inc. Health Services Advisory Meeting on January 29, 2014

Participated in Santa Fe High School Career Day on January 30, 2014
Page 4 of 20
New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department
BOARDS AND COMMISSION DIVISION
Revision date: 01/2014


Attended the Early Childhood Community Resources Focus Group on
February 20, 2014

Attended the UNM DH Advisory Committee Meeting February 21, 2014

Attended NM Head Start Association Meeting. Was appointed to the Board of Directors.

Operated an exhibit booth at the NM Association for the Education of
Young Children on March 1, 2014

Participated in NM Chronic Disease Prevention Council Meeting March 18,
2014.

Participated in the Head Start Region VI Conference Planning Committee
Meeting on March 20, 2014
The Office of Oral Health and the Santa Fe Oral Health Coalition had a successful
Children’s Oral Health Month! Following Governor Susana Martinez proclamation stating February 2014 as “Children’s Oral Health Month”, Espanola
Mayor Lorraine Lucero made the official proclamation as well. DOH Cabinet
Secretary Retta Ward participated in a Dental Sealant Clinic at Nava Elementary
School in Santa Fe, while Public Health Division Deputy Director Cathy Rocke participated in a Santa Fe Head Start Fluoride Varnish Clinic. Other activities included: promoting dental careers at Santa Fe High School Career Day, conducting oral health exams at the United Way Center and appearing in the 2014
Health and Wellness Directory for the Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper regarding United Way of Santa Fe Preparing Children for Success Program, conducting an “Oral Health Poster” contest for the Santa Fe County Head Start
Programs, addressing oral health issues on Radio Station KSUAVE, and addressing the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Authority in support of reinstating community water fluoridation. OOH staff provided: dental sealants for over 540 elementary school children, fluoride varnish applications for over 76 preschool children, and oral health education for over 375 children, Head Start parents, and other adults during the month of February.
Respectfully Submitted,
Carol Hanson
Page 5 of 20
New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department
BOARDS AND COMMISSION DIVISION
Revision date: 01/2014