The bill amends and reenacts several provisions of the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry's regulations, specifically focusing on board membership, application requirements for dental licenses, and anesthesia practices. Notably, it establishes that "At-Large Seat B" on the board will be filled by a pediatric dentist who is either board-eligible or board-certified, with the governor having the authority to appoint without a nomination process. Additionally, a temporary appointment provision allows the current board member in "At-Large Seat B" to serve out their term and potentially be reappointed for another term, while the board will temporarily consist of sixteen members during this period.

Furthermore, the bill 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. It also updates the regulations surrounding anesthesia, allowing dentists to utilize third-party anesthesia providers, including Louisiana licensed dentists with appropriate sedation permits, without requiring a personal permit. This change removes the previous requirement for oral and maxillofacial surgeons to administer certain levels of sedation and streamlines the process for dental practices utilizing anesthesia services.

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)