North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners fight bill to expand dental therapy roles: 5 key notes

North Dakota legislators are debating a measure which would allow dental therapists to address oral care shortages throughout the state, Watchdog.org reports.

Here's what you should know.

1. The North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners expressed their opposition over the proposal because of the bills unclear language, and over a desire to retain services.

2. Currently, 15 organizations back the bill, while the board opposes it.

3. Rita Sommers, the board's executive director, said the bill used unprofessional terminology to "usurp board authority and take advantage of legislators' supposed lack of expertise."

4. The board issued a statement to state legislators saying the bill has multiple contradictions with existing laws, and inadequately states its purpose.

5. This is the second time the state considered a bill which would expand dental therapists' services. The Board of Dental Examiners prominently fought the past bill, but clashed with the state's attorney general after it allegedly wrongly used a lobbyist.

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