Dentistry: foreign dental schools.
The implications of SB 1471 are significant for both foreign dental schools and their graduates. It places a deadline for compliance with established accreditation processes, potentially affecting the operational status of schools that do not meet these requirements within the stipulated timeframe. Graduates from these programs, particularly those who enrolled before January 1, 2020, remain eligible for licensure, which is a crucial factor for those who have completed their education and are seeking to practice dentistry in California.
Senate Bill No. 1471, introduced by Senator Archuleta, seeks to amend Section 1636.5 and repeal Section 1636.6 of the Business and Professions Code in relation to the regulation of foreign dental schools in California. This bill stipulates that foreign dental schools that were previously approved need to complete the accreditation process with the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or a comparable accrediting body by January 1, 2024, to maintain their approval. If a foreign dental school was renewed by the Dental Board prior to January 1, 2020, it might maintain its approval until a date between January 1, 2024, and June 30, 2026, provided it meets certain conditions outlined in the act.
Points of contention surrounding SB 1471 revolve around the shifting standards for licensure eligibility for foreign dental graduates. Critics have expressed concerns that the stricter accreditation requirements may unfairly disadvantage graduates from educational institutions that have been operating under earlier standards. This could lead to a reduction in the workforce of qualified dental practitioners in specific areas, especially where foreign-trained dentists are essential to providing care. Proponents, however, argue that these changes are necessary to ensure that all dental professionals meet consistently high standards of education and training before being allowed to practice.