This bill proposes significant amendments to the licensing and practice regulations for 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." The application process for dental hygienist licensing is modified to allow greater flexibility in verification and includes a new volunteer license for individuals previously licensed in the state or holding valid licenses from other states. The bill also emphasizes compliance with infection control guidelines and cooperation during investigations, while clarifying the scope of practice for dental hygienists.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of the North Dakota Century Code concerning the registration and renewal processes for dental professionals. Key changes include extending the renewal application deadline from sixty days to one year after expiration and introducing a continuing education audit for dental assistants. The bill also updates the composition and appointment process for the state board of dental examiners, ensuring staggered five-year terms for members and clarifying their voting privileges. New grounds for disciplinary action against dentists are introduced, including failure to maintain proper documentation and cooperate with investigations, alongside a more detailed disciplinary procedure that allows for temporary suspension of a dentist's license if public safety is at risk. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the regulatory framework governing dental practices in North Dakota, ensuring public safety and professional accountability.

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