Senate Bill No. 669 seeks to amend the Oklahoma Dental Act to modernize and clarify regulations related to dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental assisting. Key amendments include the removal of references to "oral maxillofacial surgery assistants," the introduction of a new oral maxillofacial expanded duty permit for dental assistants, and the establishment of a research faculty permit. The bill also expands eligibility for licensure by credentials, modifies qualifications for dental assistant permits, and allows dental hygiene students to perform certain services under specified conditions. Additionally, it introduces new definitions for terms such as "dental appliance" and "teledentistry," updates license renewal requirements, and enhances penalties for violations.

The bill further establishes standing committees within the Board of Dentistry, including a Dental Hygiene Advisory Committee and an Allied Dental Education Committee, to address issues affecting dental practice and education. It mandates that all applicants for licenses or permits undergo a national criminal background check and clarifies the responsibilities of licensed dentists regarding patient records. The bill also introduces new continuing education requirements for dentists and dental hygienists, enhances penalties for violations, and revises the fee structure for dental licenses and permits. Overall, the bill aims to improve the regulatory framework governing dental practices in Oklahoma, ensuring higher standards of care and accountability while adapting to advancements in the field.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 59-328.3, 59-328.19, 59-328.21, 59-328.23a, 59-328.24, 59-328.29a, 59-328.31b, 59-328.32, 59-328.41, 59-328.44a
House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill: 59-328.3, 59-328.19, 59-328.21, 59-328.24, 59-328.29a, 59-328.31b, 59-328.32, 59-328.41, 59-328.44a
Floor (House): 59-328.3, 59-328.19, 59-328.21, 59-328.24, 59-328.29a, 59-328.31b, 59-328.32, 59-328.41, 59-328.44a
Floor (Senate): 59-328.3, 59-328.19, 59-328.21, 59-328.23a, 59-328.24, 59-328.29a, 59-328.31b, 59-328.32, 59-328.41, 59-328.44a
Engrossed: 59-328.3, 59-328.19, 59-328.21, 59-328.23a, 59-328.24, 59-328.29a, 59-328.31b, 59-328.32, 59-328.41, 59-328.44a
Amended And Engrossed: 59-328.3, 59-328.19, 59-328.21, 59-328.24, 59-328.29a, 59-328.31b, 59-328.32, 59-328.41, 59-328.44a, 59-328.23a
Enrolled (final version): 59-328.3, 59-328.19, 59-328.21, 59-328.24, 59-328.29a, 59-328.31b, 59-328.32, 59-328.41, 59-328.44a
Sub Committee OR Policy Committee Recommendations (House) Policy Committee Recommendation: 59-328.3, 59-328.19, 59-328.21, 59-328.24, 59-328.29a, 59-328.31b, 59-328.32, 59-328.41, 59-328.44a