Proposed bill aims to address California’s dental assistant shortage

A new bill, sponsored by the California Dental Association, was proposed with the goal of tackling the state’s dental assistant workforce shortage.

Advertisement

The bill, AB 481, aims to expand dental assistants’ scope of practice and create new licensure pathways, according to a Feb. 17 news release from the CDA.

Here are five things that the CDA hopes the legislation will accomplish:

1. Simplify and shorten the current requirement of 15 months of on-the-job training to 800 supervised hours, including educational and clinical experience.

2. Change the orthodontic assistant permit to a certificated course without an exam.

3. Formalize interim therapeutic restoration regulations.

4. Allow those who move to California and hold a certified dental assistant certificate to apply for a registered dental assistant license under certain criteria.

5. Clarify existing duties as well as add duties for dental assistants based on evolving technologies.

 

At the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable, taking place November 12–14 in Chicago, dental leaders and executives will gain insights into emerging technologies, practice growth strategies and the evolving landscape of dental care delivery, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and operational excellence. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Advertisement

Next Up in Staffing Issues

  • Here are eight statistics and trends showing how the dental hygiene field is evolving:  1. Several states have introduced or…

  • Utah Governor Spencer Cox has signed legislation that allows hygienists to practice at hospitals without general supervision from a dentist.…

Advertisement

Comments are closed.