The Illinois Senate is considering a bill that would provide dental students with a temporary license to alleviate dentist shortages, according to a May 15 report from Illinois Policy.
Here are five things to know:
- House Bill 3019 would amend the Illinois Dental Practice Act to create a temporary dental hygiene license for dental students who meet certain qualifications.
- The license would be valid for one year and students must practice under the supervision of a dentist.
- Nearly 70 of the state’s 102 counties have a dentist shortage as of April 2025, according to Rural Health Information Hub.
- The bill also delays the repeal date of the dental practice act from Jan. 1, 2026 to Jan. 1, 2036.
- House Bill 3019 is sponsored by state Rep. Theresa Mah.
