The bill amends the Public Health Code to introduce a new section, 16613, which allows the Michigan Board to grant dental licenses to applicants who are graduates of dental education programs located outside of the United States. This provision overrides existing sections 16145 and 16174(1)(c) and their associated rules. To qualify for licensure, applicants must meet the requirements of section 16174 and provide verification that their dental education is substantially equivalent to approved programs in Michigan. Additionally, they must pass the requisite licensure examination and fulfill any other requirements set by the department in consultation with the board.

Furthermore, the bill allows for licensure of applicants who are already licensed or registered in another state and are graduates of foreign dental programs, provided they meet the same criteria outlined in subsection (1). If these applicants have maintained an active license in another state for a specified number of years without disciplinary sanctions, they are exempt from providing the equivalency verification required for initial applicants. This amendment aims to streamline the licensure process for qualified dental professionals from outside the U.S. while ensuring that they meet the necessary standards for practice in Michigan.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 333.1101, 333.25211