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 regulations in sections 16145 and 16174(1)(c). To qualify for licensure, applicants must meet specific requirements, including providing verification that their dental education is substantially equivalent to approved programs in Michigan, passing the requisite licensure examination, and fulfilling any additional 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). Notably, if these applicants have maintained an active license in another state for a specified number of years without any disciplinary sanctions, they are exempt from providing the educational verification required for initial applicants. This amendment aims to streamline the licensure process for foreign-trained dentists and enhance the availability of dental care in Michigan.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 333.1101, 333.25211