This bill proposes significant amendments to the licensing and regulation of dental hygienists and dentists in North Dakota. It introduces a definition for "Dental anesthesia assistant," who is authorized to perform anesthesia-related duties under a dentist's supervision, and establishes a "qualified dental assistant limited radiology registrant." A new volunteer license is created for individuals previously licensed in North Dakota or those with valid out-of-state licenses. The application process for dental hygienist licensing is modified to include verification of application statements and potential fee adjustments. Additionally, the bill clarifies the scope of practice for dental hygienists and assistants, stipulating that only licensed individuals may use the title of dental hygienist, and outlines grounds for disciplinary action against practitioners.

Further amendments address the registration and renewal processes for dental assistants and dentists, extending renewal deadlines from sixty days to one year post-expiration and introducing a late fee structure. The bill mandates a continuing education audit for dental assistants, requiring them to maintain records for three years. It also updates the composition and appointment process for the state board of dental examiners, ensuring staggered five-year terms for members. New grounds for disciplinary action against dentists are introduced, including inadequate documentation and failure to report unethical behavior. The bill enhances disciplinary procedures, allowing for investigation fees and temporary license suspensions when public safety is at risk, while ensuring confidentiality of patient records during investigations. Overall, these changes aim to strengthen the regulatory framework governing dental practices in North Dakota.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 43-20-01.1, 43-20-01.2, 43-20-01.3, 43-20-01.4, 43-20-03, 43-20-05, 43-20-12, 43-20-12.3, 43-20-13, 43-20-13.1, 43-20-13.2, 43-28-02, 43-28-03, 43-28-04, 43-28-05, 43-28-06, 43-28-08, 43-28-11, 43-28-13, 43-28-15, 43-28-16.2, 43-28-18, 43-28-18.1, 43-28-18.2, 43-28-18.3
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Cleary: 43-20-01.1, 43-20-01.2, 43-20-01.3, 43-20-01.4, 43-20-03, 43-20-05, 43-20-12, 43-20-12.3, 43-20-13, 43-20-13.1, 43-20-13.2, 43-28-02, 43-28-03, 43-28-04, 43-28-05, 43-28-06, 43-28-08, 43-28-11, 43-28-13, 43-28-15, 43-28-16.2, 43-28-18, 43-28-18.1, 43-28-18.2, 43-28-18.3
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 43-20-01.1, 43-20-01.2, 43-20-01.3, 43-20-01.4, 43-20-03, 43-20-05, 43-20-12, 43-20-12.3, 43-20-13, 43-20-13.1, 43-20-13.2, 43-28-02, 43-28-03, 43-28-04, 43-28-05, 43-28-06, 43-28-08, 43-28-11, 43-28-13, 43-28-15, 43-28-16.2, 43-28-18, 43-28-18.1, 43-28-18.2, 43-28-18.3
Enrollment: 43-20-01.1, 43-20-01.2, 43-20-01.3, 43-20-01.4, 43-20-03, 43-20-05, 43-20-12, 43-20-12.3, 43-20-13, 43-20-13.1, 43-20-13.2, 43-28-02, 43-28-03, 43-28-04, 43-28-05, 43-28-06, 43-28-08, 43-28-11, 43-28-13, 43-28-15, 43-28-16.2, 43-28-18, 43-28-18.1, 43-28-18.2, 43-28-18.3