This bill amends current laws regarding the practice of dental hygiene and the licensure of dentists. It mandates that dental hygienists must undergo training and pass an examination approved by the board before they are allowed to administer local anesthesia. The specific legal language added to the law states that the administration of local anesthesia is contingent upon the dental hygienist being qualified by the board after completing the necessary training and examination.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that applicants for dental licensure must be graduates of a school recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and must hold either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (D.M.D.) degree. The amended language clarifies that applications for licensure must be submitted in writing or online, accompanied by a fee and proof of the required educational qualifications. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, on September 30, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 317-A:21-c
As Amended by the Senate: 317-A:21-c, 317-A:8
Version adopted by both bodies: 317-A:21-c, 317-A:8
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 317-A:21-c, 317-A:8