HB 450 -- Dental Licenses

Co-Sponsors:  Avery, Schoemehl

This bill contains provisions pertaining to the practice of
dentistry.  The bill:

(1)  Allows for the practice of dentistry across state lines, as
long as the person practicing across state lines is licensed to
practice dentistry in another state and the practice is limited
to the rendering of documented opinions concerning diagnosis and
treatment through electronic means.  When receiving consultations
across state lines, the ultimate authority and responsibility for
the diagnosis and treatment of the patient remains with the
primary care dentist licensed in this state;

(2)  Authorizes the State Dental Board to issue specialist
licenses without examination to applicants who have been
certified in any specialty by an examining board recognized by
the American Dental Association or the Council on Dental
Accreditation;

(3)  Allows for issuance of specialized licenses for dentists who
hold specialty licenses in other states, as long as they are
licensed in this state and the educational requirements for their
specialized licenses are the same or exceed those in this state;

(4)  Gives the board the authority to create specialization
committees for each specialty recognized by the American Dental
Association.  The committees will assist the board in
establishing criteria and evaluating applicants for specialty
licenses;

(5)  Provides that all specialty licenses be subject to sanctions
and licensees pay fees as set forth by the board;

(6)  Requires all dentists and dental hygienists to complete all
continuing education requirements prior to license renewal.
Failing to do so, without reasonable cause, will result in the
license being sanctioned by the board;

(7)  Requires all dentists and dental hygienists who have allowed
their licenses to lapse for more than four years to make
application and take all licensing examinations required by the
board; and

(8)  Contains provisions pertaining to the disposition of
complaints brought before the Administrative Hearing Commission
by the board regarding licensees who present a clear and present
danger to the health and safety of the public at large.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:12 am