Arkansas Administrative Code › Agency 038 - Board of Dental Examiners › Rule 038.00.09-003 - Article XVIII: Mobile Dental Facilities

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 6, June, 2024
Pursuant to ACA
			 17-82-601
			 et seq, the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners hereby promulgates these
			 rules to implement the practice of dentistry in mobile dental
			 facilities.
A.
Definitions
1.
MOBILE
		  DENTAL FACILITY
A self-contained, intact facility in which dentistry and dental
			 hygiene are practiced and that may be moved, towed or transported from one
			 location to another. For purposes of this Article, a mobile dental facility
			 does not include dentistry provided using portable equipment.
2.
OPERATOR
An individual licensed to practice dentistry in Arkansas. An
			 operator of a mobile dental facility may contract with or employ other
			 dentists, dental hygienists licensed in Arkansas and may hire Registered Dental
			 Assistants, Certified Dental Assistants, dental assistants, laboratory
			 technologists and other personnel as needed. Each mobile dental facility can
			 have only one operator. One operator may hold permits for more than one mobile
			 dental facility but each facility must have its own permit.
3.
DENTAL HOME
A licensed primary dental care provider who has an ongoing
			 relationship with a patient where comprehensive oral health care is
			 continuously accessible, coordinated, family-centered and provided in
			 compliance with policies of the American Dental Association beginning not later
			 than one year of age.
4.
COMPREHENSIVE DENTISTRY
A mobile dental facility that accepts patients and provides
			 preventive treatment including examinations, prophylaxis, radiographs, fluoride
			 treatments and sealants but does not follow up with treatment when such
			 treatment is clearly indicated is considered to be abandoning the patient. A
			 comprehensive treatment plan must be established for each patient treated in
			 the mobile dental facility. Treatment that cannot be completed during the
			 initial visit must be scheduled at intervals no greater than ninety (90) days
			 apart until the treatment plan is completed or the patient chooses to cease
			 treatment. Arrangements must be made for treatment either by the operator, a
			 licensed specialist or other licensee who agrees to provide follow up care. If
			 such arrangements are not made, the operator will be construed to have
			 committed unprofessional conduct by patient abandonment and be subject to
			 disciplinary action by the Board.
EXCEPTIONS:
Dental services
			 provided in mobile dental facilities by students, faculty or volunteers in
			 programs sponsored by CODA accredited dental, dental hygiene or dental
			 assisting schools may be limited in scope and are exempt from the requirement
			 that comprehensive dentistry be provided.
5.
INFORMED CONSENT
A document informing the patient of all proposed dental
			 treatments, risks involved and alternative treatments available which must be
			 signed by the patient or parent/guardian of any minor or incapacitated person
			 before dental services can be provided in a mobile dental facility. This form
			 must meet all the elements described in Section D. 2. of this rule. Written
			 consent must be obtained for the initial visit for diagnostic and preventive
			 services. After the treatment plan is developed, a second consent, either in
			 written form which is signed by the patient, parent or guardian or a recorded
			 verbal consent from the patient, parent or guardian must be obtained before
			 additional dental services are performed on the patient.
6.
ACTIVE PATIENT
Any person who received any level of dental care in a mobile
			 dental facility within the preceding twenty-four months