The NJDA is committed to working on behalf of our members to represent the interests of dentists before state governing bodies. NJDA representatives attend meetings of the New Jersey Board of Dentistry and keep members informed of changes that may effect how dentists practice or run their businesses in New Jersey. When major policy or regulatory changes are considered the NJDA is there for the profession.
NJ State Board of Dentistry Meeting Dates, Agendas & Minutes
Continuing Education Regulations
If you are looking for information about the regulations concerning dental license renewal, NJDA has summarized and organized what you need to know for bi-annual renewal with the state of New Jersey
HERE.
NJDA Workforce Task Force Update (October 20, 2023)
The County College of Morris announced plans to build a new facility to train and certify students for professions ranging from dental hygiene and assistance to surgical technology, and more. NJDA, along with state Senator Joe Pennacchio, a member dentist, has been working to develop this facility since early 2019. PRESS RELEASE
NJDA Scores Legislative Successes In State Budget (June 30, 2023)
On Friday June 30, Governor Murphy signed the 2023-24 state budget into law. In doing so, he secured funding for the Dental Lifeline Network's Donated Dental Services program as well as the Special Needs Dental Unit at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. To learn more about Dental LifeLine Network in NJ CLICK HERE. To learn more NJDA's effort to increase access to care for individuals with special needs CLICK HERE.
The 2023-24 budget once again provides funding for adult dental Medicaid benefits in New Jersey. These are considered optional benefits under federal law. CLICK HERE to learn about the ADA's legislative effort to make adult dental benefits mandatory.
NJDA Workforce Task Force Update (May 4, 2023)
RCSJ Celebrates Installment of New Dental Program Director
NJDA’s Workforce Task Force supported Rowan College of South Jersey’s plan to start a new CODA-approved Dental Assisting School. On May 4 the school introduced Judith Zirkle as the College’s first-ever Dental Program director. PRESS RELEASE
NJDA Workforce Task Force Update (October 28, 2022)
NJ Department of Labor Identifies Dental Assistants as an “In Demand” Job
The NJDA Workforce Task Force is working with the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development to increase the number of dental assistants in our state. Dental Assisting employment is expected to grow at a rate of 8 percent per year over the next decade – higher than the national growth rates of similar jobs - according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. “In Demand” designation provides scholarship opportunities for those looking to be trained in the field and assists with placing individuals who are looking for career opportunities. This year, the NJDOLWD has placed nearly 40 students into one of 27 dental assisting schools in the state. Sadly, only 4 of those schools are CODA approved. NJDA is working with several counties to establish new dental assisting programs that could lead to more CODA approved schools thereby increasing the number of Registered Dental Assistants in the state.
An Order for Flags to Fly at Half-Staff Following the Death of Dr. Anthony M. Villane, Jr. (July 5, 2022)
Governor Philip D. Murphy
Executive Order No. 300 (2022)
An Order for Flags to Fly at Half-Staff Following the Death of Dr. Anthony M. Villane, Jr.
Issued: July 5, 2022.
Effective: July 5, 2022
WHEREAS, Dr. Anthony M. ("Doc") Villane, Jr. was born in Newark, New Jersey on December 24, 1929, to Anthony and Margaret Villane; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Villane was educated in the Newark Public School System, graduating from Barringer High School in 1948; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Villane attended Rutgers-Newark's pre-dental curriculum and was a multiple letter winner in fencing, track, and wrestling; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Villane earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1955 from Temple Dental School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, following his graduation, Dr. Villane served as a Captain in the United States Air Force for three years; and
WHEREAS, upon his return from service in 1958, Dr. Villane established a dental practice in Eatontown, New Jersey, which he maintained for nearly 55 years; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Villane continued to remain active in public service and was elected Long Branch Republican municipal chair in 1972; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Villane was appointed to the Long Branch Board of Education in 1975 before winning a seat in the New Jersey General Assembly, which he held until 1988; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Villane ascended to several positions in Assembly leadership, including Assembly Minority Whip and Deputy Assistant Minority Leader; and
WHEREAS, during his time in the Assembly, Dr. Villane was a champion for New Jersey's coastal communities, fighting illegal dumping and sponsoring legislation to provide lasting sources of funding for shore protection; and
WHEREAS, in 1988, Governor Tom Kean appointed Dr. Villane to his Cabinet as Commissioner of Community Affairs, a position he held through the end of the Kean administration in 1990; and
WHEREAS, in 1990, Dr. Villane continued his public service at the federal level by joining President George H. W. Bush's administration as regional administrator of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for the New York and New Jersey Region; and
WHEREAS, in 1953, Dr. Villane married his high school sweetheart Sarah, with whom he had five children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Villane passed away peacefully on June 29, 2022, at the age of 92 with his wife and children by his side; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Villane will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and former colleagues; and
WHEREAS, as we mourn the passing of Dr. Villane, it is appropriate to honor his history of leadership, his many achievements, and his exemplary legacy;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, PHILIP D. MURPHY, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:
1. The flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities during appropriate hours until sunset on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in recognition and mourning of Dr. Anthony M. Villane, Jr., an esteemed legislator and dedicated public servant.
2. This Order shall take effect immediately
Dental/Oral Health Initiatives in 2022-23 State Budget (June 30, 2022)
Page 160: $250,000 for the development of a special needs unit at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
Page 122: $170,000 in funding for the Dental Lifeline Network
View The 2022-23 NJ State Budget
Adoption of 54 N.J.R. 1170(b) by the NJ State Board of Dentistry (effective June 20, 2022)
A new rule adopted by the State Board of Dentistry places new requirements on providers who prescribe controlled dangerous substances, under certain circumstances, must also prescribe a corresponding opioid antidote. MORE
Proposed Rule: Uniform Rules on Discrimination in Licensed Professions (March 7, 2022)
The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs has proposed “Uniform Rules on Discrimination in Licensed Professions” via Administrative Code Citation N.J.A.C. 13:45C-4.1, 4.2, and 4.3. The purpose of this rulemaking is to clarify and firmly establish that prohibited discrimination, harassment, and retaliatory conduct by holders of professional and occupational licenses and certificates (licensees) constitute professional or occupational misconduct, subject to discipline by the relevant licensing boards and committees.
Public comments on this proposal must be made to Division of Consumer Affairs by May 6, 2022. NJDA is currently reviewing this proposal and the potential impact on dental practices.
VIEW
Task Force To Address Dental Workforce Shortage (February 7, 2022)
NJDA has formed a special Task Force to examine the current dental healthcare professional workforce shortage in NJ and look for solutions to bolster NJ dental practices. The NJDA Workforce Task Force will be led by NJDA President Dr. Luciano Ghisalberti and include Drs. Peter DeSciscio, Elisa Velazquez, Lydia David, Michael Conte, Gene Napoliello, Frank Batastini, and Joseph Battaglia.
The inaugural meeting convenes this month with the objective of laying out goals and timelines. If members would like to comment or offer suggestions to the Task Force for consideration, they can email them to Jim Schulz at jjschulz@njda.org.
Executive Order 283 (January 19, 2022)
Vaccination requirement for healthcare workers in certain settings. VIEW
Executive Order 281 (January 11, 2022)
Extends various prior Executive Orders including those pertaining to licensure, vaccination administration, telehealth/tele-dentistry, and in-person continuing education.
VIEW
Executive Order 280 (January 11, 2022)
Extends the public health emergency in NJ.
VIEW
Adoption of 54 N.J.R. 83(a) by the NJ State Board of Dentistry (effective January 3, 2022)
Dental Hygienist Scope of Practice in School Settings and Sedation Office Inspection Period
View a Summary of Public Comments and Agency Reponses here.