It is license renewal time for dentists and dental hygienists who have even-numbered licenses! Each licensee must renew by or before December 1, 2016. The renewal will be valid for 2 years.

During the 2016 legislative session, the Kansas Dental Association was instrumental in acquiring a change to the dental practices act regarding continuing education credits for dentists who render charitable care.

Now, a dentist who is a charitable healthcare provider who has signed an agreement to provide gratuitous services may fulfill one hour of continuing education credit by the performance of two hours of gratuitous services to medically indigent persons up to a maximum of six continuing education credits per licensure period. The new law became effective July 1, 2016.

A prime example of dentists providing gratuitous services is KMOM, the Kansas Mission of Mercy free dental clinic (www.ksdentalfoundation.org). The next KMOM will be held on January 27-28, 2017, in Manhattan, Kansas, at the National Guard Armory.

To date, Kansas dentists volunteering at KMOM have provided almost 27,000 Kansans free dental care valued at over $15.3 million.

In addition to providing charitable care at KMOM, Kansas dentists will now qualify for continuing education credits (CE). For example, a volunteer dentist who provides 2 hours of gratuitous services at KMOM can receive 1 hour of CE. Each dentist can obtain a maximum of 6 CE per licensure period.

The Kansas Dental Association and Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation will be working with volunteer dentists to ensure that CE certificates are provided at KMOM. Dentists across the state are encouraged to contact the Kansas Dental Association with questions about volunteering at KMOM and obtaining CE certificates at the KMOM in Manhattan, Kansas, on January 27-28, 2017.