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TxOHC E-brief

The TxOHC e-brief is our way of keeping members and stakeholders up to date with oral health and policy updates from around the state and nationally.

To view past issues click here.

June 5, 2024

Volume: XII  Issue: 9

TSBDE Adopted Rules

The State Board of Dental Examiners adopted the proposed rule changes published March 22, 2024, in the Texas Register.  

Per the TSBDE Newsletter, “at the May 2024 TSBDE meeting, the Board voted to adopt rule 115.10, which […] allows the administration of local infiltration anesthetic agent by a dental hygienist. The Board and staff would like to thank all of the licensees and stakeholders who provided input on this new rule. The rule is available for review here: Rule 115.10 Administration of Local Infiltration Anesthesia

Registered dental hygienists must obtain a Texas permit to administer local infiltration anesthesia in the state of Texas.  Please note that TSBDE staff will not accept applications until after September 1, 2024. The agency is in the process of updating its licensing database with a third-party vendor to include the local anesthesia permit information. TSBDE will notify licensees when the agency is ready to begin accepting applications and the information will be on the TSBDE website.”

The full list of adopted rules are as follows: 

The May 2024 TSBDE Newsletter also includes information on Electronic Prescribing Waivers, a notice to Dental Hygiene educators on Local Infiltration Anesthesia, anesthesia rules and permit information for dentists, information on dental assistant radiology registration, and more. 

Read the full newsletter here.

The recent rule adoptions may also be found on the TSBDE website or in the May 17, 2024 Texas Register.


Responses to Recent Maternal Urinary Fluoride Study

A MADRES study, Maternal Urinary Fluoride and Child Neurobehavior at Age 36 Months, published in JAMA on May 20, 2024 “analyzed the possible association between maternal urinary fluoride data from a small cohort and the reported behavior of their 3-year-old children.” (CDA)

The California Dental Association (CDA) wrote Fluoridation exposure misinformation spreads due to circulation of a flawed study on June 3, 2024, responding to the MADRES study, stating, “due to the study’s small scope and limitations, the impacts of fluoride exposure are being misrepresented. Read how organizations and publications have responded and find trusted resources to support discussions about the importance of community water fluoridation.”

The Campaign for Dental Health also published their response, Maternal Urinary Fluoride: Not a Valid Measure for Study’s Conclusion, on May 21, 2024, discussing the problem of convenience maternal urinary fluoride (MUF) samples as it pertains to the MADRES study.

Read both articles below.


Community Water Fluoridation Advocacy


The Campaign for Dental published, Kansas Dentist on Advocacy: “It was my duty.” on June 4, 2024 detailing the advocacy of efforts of health professionals in Abilene, KS to reinstate fluoride in their community.  Dr. Beatrice Brittan, a local dentist who led advocacy efforts, “explains what motivated her to get involved.”

Read the full article here.


CMS Finalizes Rules on Access, Finance and Quality for Medicaid and CHIP

In April, “the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published final rules (CMS-2439-F) related to Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) managed care. The new final rules from CMS reflect the goals of two executive orders:

  1. Executive Order 14009 from 2021 which required agency heads of departments with authorities and responsibilities related to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to review “all existing regulations, orders, guidance documents, policies, and any other similar agency actions” to determine if there were inconsistencies with ensuring high-quality health care that is accessible and affordable to every American enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP.
  2. Executive Order 14070, from 2022 directed agencies to “review agency actions to identify ways to continue to expand the availability of affordable health coverage, to improve the quality of coverage, strengthen benefits, and help more Americans enroll in quality health coverage.” A part of the review process includes examining policies/practices that would, among other things, strengthen benefits and improve access to care. “

This final rule continues the article published in our last e-brief about final rule (CMS–2421–F2) to aid and streamline the application, eligibility, enrollment and renewal processes for Medicaid and CHIP.

Read the full text of CMS-2439-F here.


2024 Legislative Interim Charges

This spring the Texas legislature published the Interim charges for the 88th legislative session have been published.  

The interim charges for both the Senate and House may be found on TxOHC’s legislative update page.


TxOHC Membership Announcement

Dr. Owens Attends Health Fair

TxOHC Treasurer, Dr. Sherdeana Owens, DDS, MPA participated in the Nueces County Community Action Agency’s health fair this past weekend and handed out Texas Tooth Steps brochures to pregnant and new parents. Dr. Owens was sponsored by the Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation. 





TxOHC CDE Opportunities

We’re sharing with you the latest issue of Oral Health Alert: Focus on Pregnancy, a triannual compilation of recent journal articles and other resources about oral health during the perinatal period from the National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center (OHRC).
 

Oral Health Alert: Focus on Pregnancy

Articles

  • An Assessment of Oral Health Training in Obstetrical Care in Massachusetts.
    Panda A, Silk H, Hayes C, Savageau JA. 2024. Maternal and Child Health Journal. DOI: 10.1007/s10995-024-03905-7. View abstract
  • Association Between Dental Visits During Pregnancy and Setting for Prenatal Care.
    Byrappagari D, Cohn L, Sailor L, Clark S. 2024. Journal of Public Health Dentistry. DOI: 10.1111/jphd.12596. View abstract 
  • Measuring Quality of Dental Care During Pregnancy.
    Herndon JB, Ojha D, Amundson C. 2024. Journal of the American Dental Association. DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2023.10.010. View abstract 


Materials and Other New Resources
Midwest Health Center Pioneers Integrated Oral Health Services (2024)
This blog post is part of HRSA’s Health Center Stories series.

Resources from the National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center (OHRC)


Digital Library
OHRC’s online library contains over 3,000 resources to assist professionals (you!) in providing education and training, developing programs, and staying abreast of new developments. Featured topics include Oral Health During Pregnancy and Pregnancy Guidelines.

Oral Health Learning Café
Engage with other professionals about integrating oral health into primary care via a discussion list and monthly webinars.

OHRC Update
Subscribe to OHRC Update for announcements about new and updated resources, website features, and other resources of interest.

OHRC Staff
Reach out to OHRC staff for assistance on oral health issues such as educational materials, Head Start, integrating oral health care into primary care, prenatal care, Title V national performance measure on oral health, and adapting or reproducing OHRC materials.

 
Warm regards,

— Susan Brune Lorenzo, MLS, National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center (OHRC)

With much appreciation and sincerest gratitude, we wish to thank our 2024 Coalition Partners!

COHC
LIBERTY Dental Plan
CommUnity Care
TTUHSC El Paso HSDM
Methodist Healhcare Ministries
Mobile Dental Care

Many thanks also to organizational member AccelHealth.
 

Accel Health


Your Contribution Matters

Your contribution is essential to our continued efforts and will make a positive impact on the lives of millions of your neighbors. No matter how small your contribution may seem, it is an integral piece of the larger puzzle leading to meaningful change. Please join in the advancement of our vision to make optimal health a reality for all Texans. Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to your participation in our community to continue this forward momentum.


TxOHC is also raising funds with Planet Green Recycle through our ink cartridges recycling fundraiser. Click here to request your FREE USPS shipping label to recycle your inks. Be sure to type in our Program ID Code: 32140 when completing the shipping form.

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