The bill amends Section 5-31.1-22 of the General Laws concerning limited registrations for dentists and dental hygienists. It introduces provisions that allow foreign-trained dentists and dental hygienists to obtain limited licenses, provided they have graduated from reputable dental colleges or hygiene colleges, are under the supervision of a licensed dentist, and have passed an examination determined by the board of examiners in dentistry.

The bill specifies the qualifications that a dental college must possess to be considered reputable, including: being incorporated and authorized to confer degrees, having a competent faculty, delivering a comprehensive curriculum with adequate clinical and laboratory exercises, providing a minimum of four academic years of training for graduates of accredited high schools or three academic years for those with two years of pre-dental training, and having an administrative policy that meets the requirements of the section.

Similarly, it outlines the qualifications for a dental hygiene college, which must confer at least an associate degree in dental hygiene, have a competent faculty, deliver a comprehensive curriculum, provide a minimum of two academic years of training for graduates of accredited high schools, and have an administrative policy that meets the requirements of the section.

The bill clarifies that limited registration may be revoked at any time by the director of the department of health or by the board. It also includes language that allows the board and/or the director to promulgate any rules and regulations deemed necessary to implement the provisions of this section. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2862: 5-31.1-22