The prior exam rule requires a prior dental examination within 120 days for patients receiving care from public health programs. The North Carolina Division of Public Health recommends individuals visit the dentist twice a year, yet local groups providing care to dental shortage areas say the “prior exam rule” inhibits that possibility.
William Donigan, DDS, dental director for Gastonia, N.C.-based Gaston Family Health Services, told WECT the proposed rule changes are “vital” to North Carolina communities. The revision would allow dentists to provide dental hygienists with written orders so they could serve the community in mobile dental units, Dr. Donigan said.
The proposal is expected to be addressed by the Rules Review Commission in January. If approved, the rule could go into effect as early as February 2020.
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