General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5399 seeks to modernize the regulations governing dental assistants and expanded function dental assistants in Connecticut. The bill introduces key definitions such as "direct supervision" and "indirect supervision," clarifying the responsibilities of licensed dentists in relation to dental assistants. It establishes qualifications for dental assistants, including the completion of accredited education programs and certification from the Dental Assisting National Board. Additionally, expanded function dental assistants are required to maintain professional liability insurance and adhere to specific supervision requirements when performing dental procedures. Notably, the language regarding the delegation of procedures has been revised; the phrase "Such procedures" has been deleted and replaced with "The procedures described in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of this subdivision," emphasizing the necessity for direct supervision for certain tasks.

The bill also delineates prohibited activities for dental assistants and expanded function dental assistants, such as diagnosing dental procedures, performing surgical tasks, prescribing medications, and administering anesthetics. It mandates that licensed dentists verify the qualifications of expanded function dental assistants and maintain documentation of their credentials. Furthermore, the Commissioner of Public Health is empowered to adopt regulations defining the specific procedures dental assistants may perform and the required level of supervision. The legislation allows licensed dentists to administer cosmetic injections and updates continuing education requirements for license renewal, requiring dentists to complete a minimum of twenty-five contact hours of education every two years, including training on identifying victims of human trafficking and providing care to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2026, and includes provisions for the repeal and substitution of existing legal language to implement these changes.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 20-112a