In Connecticut, HB
5163 would allow state residents the ability to obtain a license to
practice dentistry in the state if they are already licensed in another state
with similar or more stringent requirements. The bill would also allow dental
hygienists with at least two years’ experience to practice at a senior center
without a dentist’s general supervision.
In Missouri, HB
1710 would require all state boards, including the Missouri Dental Board,
to grant a Missouri license to an applicant who holds a current, valid license
issued by another state if that state's licensure requirements are substantively
similar to those of Missouri.
Dental Licensing Fees—In
Massachusetts, a new licensure fee
schedule for dentists and dental hygienists was implemented, effective
April 20, 2018. The cost to renew a dentist license is now $360 biennially. The
cost to renew a dental hygienist license is now $60 biennially. The cost of
limited registration for a dental intern is now $90 a year, and a dental
hygienist student license is now $60 per license.
Continuing Education
Requirements—On April 20, 2018, Massachusetts
put into effect new
requirements for continuing education units (CEUs) required to renew a
dental, dental hygiene or dental assisting license:
- Dentists must complete a minimum of 40 CEUs each
two-year renewal cycle.
- Dental hygienists must complete a minimum of 20
CEUs each two-year renewal cycle.
- Dental assistants must complete a minimum of 12
CEUs each two-year renewal cycle.
New dental hygiene
professional board in California—SB
1482 would remove the Dental Hygiene Committee from the jurisdiction of the
Dental Board of California and would create the Dental Hygiene Board of
California within the Department of Consumer Affairs. This new Board would
comprise nine members. Seven would be appointed by the Governor (two members of
the public, one practicing general or public health dentist licensed in
California, one alternative or extended practice hygienist, one dental hygiene
educator and two registered dental hygienists). The remaining two members would
be members of the public appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules and the Speaker
of the Assembly. This new committee would have jurisdiction over hygiene
educational program approval, the licensing of hygienists in the state, license
examination and continuing education requirements and recommendations to the
state dental board regarding dental hygiene scope of practice.