As used in this subpart:

1. (1) “Active patient” means any person who received any level of dental care in a mobile dental facility within the preceding twenty-four (24) months;

2. (2)

   1. (A) “Comprehensive dentistry” means a mobile dental facility that accepts patients and provides preventive treatment including examinations, prophylaxis, radiographs, fluoride treatments, and sealants but does not follow up with treatment when such treatment is clearly indicated is considered to be abandoning the patient.
   2. (B) A comprehensive treatment plan must be established for each patient treated in the mobile dental facility.

   3. (C) Treatment that cannot be completed during the initial visit must be scheduled at intervals no greater than ninety (90) days apart until the:

      1. (i) Treatment plan is completed; or
      2. (ii) Patient chooses to cease treatment.

   4. (D)

      1. (i) Arrangements must be made for treatment either by the operator, a licensed specialist, or other licensee who agrees to provide follow-up care.
      2. (ii) If such arrangements are not made, the operator will be construed to have committed unprofessional conduct by patient abandonment and be subject to disciplinary action by the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners.

   5. (E) Exceptions. Dental services provided in mobile dental facilities by students, faculty, or volunteers in programs sponsored by CODA-accredited dental, dental hygiene, or dental assisting schools:

      1. (i) May be limited in scope; and
      2. (ii) Are exempt from the requirement that comprehensive dentistry be provided;
3. (3) “Dental home” means a licensed primary dental care provider who has an ongoing relationship with a patient where comprehensive oral health care is continuously accessible, coordinated, family-centered, and provided in compliance with policies of the American Dental Association beginning not later than one (1) year of age;

4. (4)

   1. (A) “Informed consent” means a document informing the patient of all proposed dental treatments, risks involved, and alternative treatments available, which must be signed by the patient or parent/guardian of any minor or incapacitated person before dental services can be provided in a mobile dental facility.
   2. (B) This form must meet all the elements described in 17 CAR § 115-1804(b).
   3. (C) Written consent must be obtained for the initial visit for diagnostic and preventive services.
   4. (D) After the treatment plan is developed, a second consent, either in written form that is signed by the patient, parent, or guardian or a recorded verbal consent from the patient, parent, or guardian, must be obtained before additional dental services are performed on the patient;

5. (5)

   1. (A) “Mobile dental facility” means a self-contained, intact facility:

      1. (i) In which dentistry and dental hygiene are practiced; and
      2. (ii) That may be moved, towed, or transported from one (1) location to another.
   2. (B) For purposes of this subpart, “mobile dental facility” does not include dentistry provided using portable equipment; and

6. (6)

   1. (A) “Operator” means an individual licensed to practice dentistry in Arkansas.

   2. (B) An operator of a mobile dental facility may:

      1. (i) Contract with or employ other dentists or dental hygienists licensed in Arkansas; and
      2. (ii) Hire registered dental assistants, certified dental assistants, dental assistants, laboratory technologists, and other personnel as needed.
   3. (C) Each mobile dental facility can have only one (1) operator.
   4. (D) One (1) operator may hold permits for more than one (1) mobile dental facility but each facility must have its own permit.

Codification Notes: "CODA" means Commission on Dental Accreditation.