PAGD Keystone Explorer Winter 2020

Keystone Explorer | Winter 2020 21 advocacy \ Report of Committees Ms. Hart-Hughes reported that the Probable Cause Screening Committee met and considered two items. Dr. Jaspan noted that the Scope of Practice Committee had not met but had discussed the application of nitrous oxide by hygienists under a dentist’s supervision. Dr. Jaspan noted that this is not allowed but is not sure that the dental community is aware of that. Act 53 Commissioner Johnson requested the board’s input regarding Act 53. The intention of Act 53 is to provide transparency regarding criminal convictions and licensure. Act 53 lists the potential violations of criminal statutes that could affect the judgement of a licensee and requires the board to consider whether it should factor into their licensure status. These violations include violent crimes, sexual abuse statutes, and other crimes, such as fraud, that are directly related to the profession of dentistry. If the licensee violates one of these statutes, the burden of proof falls upon that licensee to prove that they should still be granted a license. If the licensee violates a statute that is not listed, the burden falls on the prosecutorial division to provide evidence to the board showing the licensee should not receive or renew their license. The board moved to add the criminal statutes regarding ethnic intimidation and cybercrime. The motion passed, with Ms. Hughes, Fowler, and Sizemore voting nay. Board Counsel recommended removing theft by unlawful taking, as it is a common crime often levied at a young age and would dissuade many providers from seeking licensure or entering the profession. That motion passed, with Dr. Funari, Ms. Hart-Hughes, and Ms. Sizemore voting nay. Joseph Appiah-Forson DMD Philadelphia PA Jeffrey Arbelaez DMD Chambersburg PA Haley Ciccarelli DMD Newtown Square PA Astha Desai DMD Gettysburg PA Chase Elliott Lancaster PA Hannah Goldberg DMD Tel Aviv Antony Greiss DMD Bethlehem PA Melissa James Philadelphia PA Sheri McVaugh Reinholds PA Jignesh Modha DDS Mechanicsburg PA Rowan Pereira DMD Philadelphia PA Aldo Profka DMD Philadelphia PA Daniel Rairigh DDS Pittsburgh PA Brandon Saiphoo DMD Philadelphia PA Tzicha Wang DMD Philadelphia PA Welcome New Members!