The Oklahoma legislature has enacted a law that updates the state dental act by adding licensure requirements and new patient protections while changing dental practice regulations.
Senate Bill 669, which became law May 21, includes several provisions.
Seven notes:
1. Among the many changes in the bill is a new requirement for dental assistants to apply for a permit before beginning work as a dental assistant.
2. The bill also creates an oral maxillofacial surgery expanded duty permit for dental assistants, replacing the introduction of an “oral maxillofacial surgery assistant” role.
3. The bill also includes updates to hygiene and dental student intern permits, as well as authorizations for a limited research permit for dental school faculty.
4. The reinstatement period for lapsed licenses has been extended from one to five years under the new legislation.
5. The legislation enhances patient protections and transparency by requiring records to include the names of dental assistants who provided treatment to the patient.
6. Dentists who plan to close their practice are now required to notify the state dental board where patient records will be stored.
7. Dentists will also be required to conduct in-person examinations before prescribing or overseeing treatment using dental appliances.
To read the full bill, click here.
