<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".07" citation="COMAR 10.44.22.07" title_num="10" subtitle_num="44" chapter_num="22" heading="Pro Bono Dental and Dental Hygiene Services.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Beginning on the effective date of this regulation dentists or dental hygienists may receive continuing education credit for providing volunteer pro bono dental and dental hygiene services within the State as provided in this regulation.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>A dentist or dental hygienist may provide volunteer pro bono care at a Board-approved program that:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Is a non-profit entity or event; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Provides substantial pro bono dental services to the indigent or dentally underserved populations.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>With the exception of food, lodging, and parking fees, a dentist or dental hygienist may not receive direct or indirect remuneration of any kind, including but not limited to remuneration for materials purchased or used.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>With the exception of those pro bono services provided at a dentist’s or dental hygienist’s office as outlined in §E of this regulation, the program shall require a dentist or dental hygienist to sign in and sign out daily upon commencement and termination of the provision of services.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>A dentist or dental hygienist may provide pro bono services for continuing education credit at the dentist’s or dental hygienist’s office:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>If the patient is referred to the dentist or dental hygienist by a Board-approved nonprofit entity that provides substantial pro bono dental services to the indigent or dentally underserved populations; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If the Board provides prior approval of the provision of the dental or dental hygiene services.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>Continuing education credit shall be calculated based on the time a dentist or dental hygienist has actually dedicated to the performance of dental or dental hygiene services.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>Continuing education credit shall be calculated at the ratio of 1 continuing education credit for each 60 minutes of patient services.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="H.">
    <text>Credit may not be provided for missed appointments.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="I.">
    <text>Board-approved nonprofit entities that provide substantial dental services for continuing education credit shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Retain patient records;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Retain documentation of all pro bono assignments and the hours of service provided; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Provide the records and a copy of the assignments and the hours of service provided to the Board upon request.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="J.">
    <text>The Board may revoke the approval status of any nonprofit entity that fails to cooperate with the Board.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="K.">
    <text>A dental hygienist who provides pro bono dental services shall work under the direct supervision of a dentist.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="L.">
    <text>A dentist or dental hygienist that is employed by a nonprofit entity that provides substantial pro bono dental services to the indigent or dentally underserved populations may not obtain credit for pro bono services at the entity at which the dentist or dental hygienist is employed, but may receive credit for qualified pro bono services at other nonprofit entities.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="M.">
    <text>A dentist who is a Board-recognized specialist and who has announced a specialization shall limit the pro bono services exclusively to the announced special areas.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="N.">
    <text>In accordance with COMAR 10.44.12, a dentist may administer general anesthesia or sedation only with the appropriate Board permit issued for the specific practice location at which the dentist wishes to administer general anesthesia or sedation.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="O.">
    <text>A dental hygienist may administer local anesthesia by infiltration only with the appropriate Board recognition.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="P.">
    <text>A dentist and dental hygienist who provide pro bono dental services shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Maintain proof of such services for at least 5 years on a Board-approved form; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Provide documentation of the services to the Board on request.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="Q.">
    <text>A dentist or dental hygienist who fails to maintain accurate and complete records of services rendered may not receive continuing education credit for those services.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="R.">
    <text>A dentist shall use a Board-approved form for patients with clear instructions for any follow-up care.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="S.">
    <text>A dentist or a dental hygienist under a formal or informal Board order or agreement that provides for the provision of pro bono services may not receive continuing education credit for the provision of the pro bono services.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="T.">
    <text>Failure to comply with the provisions of this regulation constitutes unprofessional conduct.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>