The bill amends and reenacts several provisions of the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry's regulations, specifically focusing on board membership, dental license application requirements, and anesthesia practices. Notably, it establishes that one of the three at-large board members must be a board-eligible or board-certified pediatric dentist, with the governor having the authority to fill any vacancies in this position without a nomination process. Additionally, a new subsection allows the current board member in "At-Large Seat B" to serve a temporary appointment for the remainder of their five-year term, with the possibility of a second term, while the board will consist of sixteen members during this temporary period.

The bill also modifies the timeline for applicants to apply for a dental license after passing a clinical licensing examination, extending the period from three to five years. Furthermore, it updates the regulations regarding anesthesia, allowing dentists to utilize third-party anesthesia providers without requiring a personal permit, provided these providers meet the board's compliance standards. The language regarding oral and maxillofacial surgeons is removed, and instead, it specifies that a Louisiana licensed dentist with the appropriate sedation permit can administer anesthesia. The bill is set to take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated period for bills to become law without a signature.

Statutes affected:
SB138 Original: 37:753(C)(2), 37:761(C), 37:786(A)(1), 37:793(H)(2)
SB138 Engrossed: 37:753(C)(2), 37:761(C), 37:793(H)(2)
SB138 Reengrossed: 37:753(C)(2), 37:761(C), 37:793(H)(2)
SB138 Enrolled: 37:753(C)(2), 37:761(C), 37:793(H)(2)
SB138 Act 296: 37:753(C)(2), 37:761(C), 37:793(H)(2)