This bill amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes concerning the licensure and regulation of dental professionals, including dentists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants. Key changes include the introduction of a guest license for dental therapists, allowing them to provide volunteer care without compensation for a limited time, and the establishment of specific requirements for obtaining this license. The bill also modifies the criteria for waiving continuing education requirements for retired dental professionals, expanding eligibility to those providing services to patients without dental health coverage and adjusting income thresholds. Additionally, the term "permit" is replaced with "registration" in several contexts, and new fees for emeritus active licenses and late renewal applications are introduced.

Further amendments enhance the regulatory framework by expanding the scope of practice for dental hygienists, allowing them to perform certain services without prior examination by a dentist under collaborative agreements. The bill increases the number of collaborative agreements a dentist can enter into from four to eight and clarifies the responsibilities of advanced dental therapists. It also prohibits corporations from providing dental advice or representing ownership of dental offices, while ensuring that licensed individuals can still act as instructors in recognized education programs. Notably, the bill repeals the requirement for the display of renewal certificates and the names of practicing dentists in their offices, streamlining the regulatory process and enhancing access to dental care in Minnesota.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 150A.06, 150A.01, 150A.05, 150A.08, 150A.081, 150A.091, 150A.10, 150A.105, 150A.106, 150A.11
1st Engrossment: 150A.06, 150A.01, 150A.05, 150A.08, 150A.081, 150A.091, 150A.10, 150A.105, 150A.106, 150A.11