21 NCAC 16R .0106. VARIANCES AND EXEMPTION FROM AND CREDIT FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION

(a)  Upon receipt of satisfactory written evidence, the Board may grant exemptions from the mandatory continuing education requirements set out in Rule .0103 of this Subchapter as follows:

(1)           A dentist who practices not more than 250 clock hours in a calendar year shall be exempted from all continuing education requirements.  Such dentists, who shall be known as semi-retired Class I dentists, must maintain current CPR certification. 

(2)           A dentist who practices not more than 1,000 clock hours in a calendar year shall be exempt from one half of the continuing education courses required of dentists who practice full time.   Such dentists, who shall be known as semi-retired Class II dentists, must maintain current CPR certification. 

(3)           A retired dentist who does not practice any dentistry shall be exempt from all continuing education and CPR certification requirements.

(4)           A dentist who is disabled may request a variance in continuing education hours during the period of the disability. The Board may grant or deny requests for variance in continuing education hours based on a disabling condition on a case by case basis, taking into consideration the particular disabling condition involved and its effect on the dentist's ability to complete the required hours.  In considering the request, the Board may require additional documentation substantiating any specified disability.

(b)  In those instances where continuing education is waived and the exempt individual wishes to resume practice, the Board shall require continuing education courses in accordance with Rule .0103 of this Section when reclassifying the licensee.  The Board may require those licensees who have not practiced dentistry for a year or more to undergo a bench test prior to allowing the licensee to resume practice when there is indication of inability to practice dentistry.

(c)  Dentists shall receive 10 hours credit per year for continuing education when engaged in any of the following:

(1)           service on a full-time basis on the faculty of an educational institution with direct involvement in education, training, or research in dental or dental auxiliary programs; or

(2)           service on a full time basis with a federal, state or county government agency whose operation is directly related to dentistry or dental auxiliaries.  Verification of credit hours shall be maintained in the manner specified in Rule .0105 of this Section.

(d)  Dentists who work at least 20 hours per week in an institution or entity described in (c)(1) or (2) of this Rule shall receive five hours credit per year for continuing education.

(e)  Dentists shall receive up to two hours of continuing education credits per year for providing dental services on a volunteer basis at any state, city or county operated site approved by the Dental Board.  Credit will be given at ratio of 1:5, with one hour credit given for every five hours of volunteer work.  

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90-31.1; 90-38;

Eff. May 1, 1994;

Amended Eff. November 1, 2008; September 1, 2008; April 1, 2003; April 1, 2001; August 1, 1998.