Arizona 2024 2024 Regular Session

Arizona House Bill HB2639 Comm Sub / Analysis

Filed 01/22/2024

                      	HB 2639 
Initials AG/IG 	Page 1 	Regulatory Affairs 
 
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Fifty-sixth Legislature 
Second Regular Session 
 
 
HB 2639: dental assistants; education 
Sponsor: Representative Hendrix, LD 14 
Committee on Regulatory Affairs 
Overview 
Provides the option for a dental assistant to pass a course on either exposing radiographs or 
coronal polishing that qualifies as recognized continuing education as determined by the 
Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) in order to perform certain duties relating 
to the exposure of radiographs and polishing of the teeth.  
History 
The Board regulates and licenses dental professionals, including dentists, dental hygienists, 
dental consultants, dental therapists, denturists and dental assistants. Additionally, the 
Board reviews complaints against licensees and business entities, conducts investigations 
and is authorized to take disciplinary action for violations of state laws relating to these 
professions (A.R.S. §§ 32-1201 through 32-1299.26). 
A dental assistant is any person who acts as an assistant to a dentist, dental therapist or 
dental hygienist by rendering personal services to a patient in close proximity to the patient 
while the patient is under treatment, observation or undergoing diagnostic procedures. 
Dental assistants are allowed to expose radiographs for dental diagnostic purposes and polish 
the natural and restored surfaces of teeth under either the general supervision of a dentist 
or the direct supervision of an affiliated practice dental hygienist if the dental assistant has 
passed an examination approved by the Board (A.R.S. §§ 32-1201, 32-1291). 
Provisions 
1. Allows the option for a dental assistant to pass a course on either exposing radiographs 
or coronal polishing that qualifies as recognized continuing education as determined by 
the Board in order to perform duties relating to the exposure of radiographs and polishing 
of teeth. (Sec. 1) 
2. Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1)