Implicit bias training requirement

A change to the Michigan Public Health Code requires all licensed health care professionals (including dentists, registered dental hygienists, and registered dental assistants) to take three hours of implicit bias training. The implicit bias training requirement applies to all license renewals after June 1, 2022.

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, in conjunction with the Michigan Board of Dentistry, has these rules for fulfilling the requirement:

• Three hours every licensing period for registered dental professionals. This training is in addition to the 60 hours of continuing education credits required for relicensure for dentists and the 36 hours of CE credits for registered dental assistants and registered dental hygienists. Please read the article State Changes Rules on Implicit Bias Training for more information.
• Training can be obtained via live webinar, pre-recorded sessions, or in person.
• Training must be provided by one of the following acceptable sponsors: a nationally-recognized or state-recognized health-related organization; a state or federal agency; an educational program approved by any board created under the Michigan Public Health Code; an accredited college or university; or an organization specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion issues. The Michigan Dental Association is ADA CERP-approved and therefore qualifies as an accepted provider.

IMPLICIT BIAS TRAINNG FAQS

Training requirements

According to LARA, the implicit bias training must be related to reducing barriers and disparities in access to and delivery of health care services and meet the following requirements:

• Training content must include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following topics: Information on implicit bias, equitable access to health care, serving a diverse population, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and cultural sensitivity.
• Strategies to remedy the negative impact of implicit bias by recognizing and understanding how it impacts perception, judgment, and actions that may result in inequitable decision making, failure to effectively communicate, and result in barriers and disparities in the access to and delivery of health care services.
• The historical basis and present consequences of implicit biases based on an individual’s characteristics.
• Discussion of current research on implicit bias in the access to and delivery of health care services.
• Training must include strategies to reduce disparities in access to and delivery of health care services and the administration of pre- and post-test implicit bias assessments.