HB 970 -- LICENSING OF DENTISTS AND DENTAL HYGIENISTS

SPONSOR:  Portwood

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Professional Registration and Licensing by a vote of 13 to 0.

This bill changes the laws regarding 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)  Requires that all specialty licenses be subject to sanctions
and licensees pay fees as set 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)  Specifies 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.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2005, FY 2006, and
FY 2007.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill is good for the
profession and the public.  It gives the State Dental Board
authority to allow for specialty licenses and permit the practice
of dentistry across state lines.  It also updates language
regarding licensing renewal, misconduct, and continuing
education.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Portwood; State
Dental Board; and Missouri Dental Association.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Bob Dominique, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:14 am