This bill proposes significant amendments to the North Dakota Century Code regarding the licensing and regulation of dental hygienists, dentists, and dental assistants, as well as the introduction of a new volunteer license for dental hygiene practitioners. Key changes include the establishment of definitions for "Dental anesthesia assistant" and "Qualified dental assistant limited radiology registrant," which clarify the roles of these positions. The application process for dental hygienist licensing is modified to allow greater flexibility in verification, and the bill outlines new requirements for license renewal. Additionally, it expands the grounds for denial and disciplinary actions against dental hygienists and dental assistants, emphasizing compliance with board rules and clarifying the scope of practice for dental hygienists.

Further amendments address the registration and renewal processes for dental assistants and dentists, including a new requirement for dental assistants to maintain records of continuing education for three years and comply with audits. The renewal period for registrations and licenses is extended from sixty days to one year after expiration, with provisions for individuals to provide documentation of their skills if renewing after the grace period. The bill also updates the composition and appointment process for the state board of dental examiners, introduces new grounds for disciplinary action against dentists, and outlines procedures for investigating complaints and suspending licenses when necessary. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the regulatory framework governing dental practice in North Dakota, ensuring accountability and accommodating the needs of volunteer practitioners.

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