A bill introduced to the Kansas Legislature earlier this month would remove in-person requirements for dentists who own practices in the state.
Eight notes:
1. Kansas currently requires dentists who own a practice in the state to be present at the office at least 20% of the time that patients are being treated there.
2. Senate Bill 432 would remove that requirement, allowing other dentists and staff to provide services without the owner dentist ever being present.
3. Supporters of the bill say that removing this requirement would increase access to care by providing more flexibility, while opposers argue that the current requirement leads to better patient care.
4. Mike O’Neal, a representative of the Association for DSOs, told FOX 4 Feb. 12 that current law prevents dentists from expanding care in the state.
5. Kevin Robertson, executive director of the Kansas Dental Association, said that in addition to enhancing patient care, in-office requirements strengthen connections between the owner dentists and their patients and other staff members.
6. The state’s in-office requirements were cut from 50% to 20% in 2014.
7. Previous efforts to remove the 20% requirement have been reintroduced each year since 2023 but have not come to fruition.
8. SB 432 was introduced Feb. 2 and currently sits with the Senate Committee on Government Efficiency.
