The bill amends the State Dental Act by modifying the provisions related to emergency temporary licenses for practicing dentistry and dental hygiene, as well as the supervision requirements for dental assistants. It allows the President of the Board to issue emergency temporary licenses for up to 90 days and extends eligibility for such licenses to active duty military spouses. Additionally, the bill replaces the previous examination requirements with the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) exam, streamlining the process for individuals to complete Board examination criteria.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the grounds for disciplinary actions against dental assistants, including violations of the State Dental Act and the rules of the Board. It introduces a new provision that requires dental assistants to operate under general or direct visual supervision of a dentist for certain procedures, ensuring compliance with the State Dental Act. The bill also empowers the Board to temporarily suspend a dental assistant's permit in emergency situations that threaten public health or safety. The effective date for these changes is set for November 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 59-328.29a