Dental Specialties Licensure and Scope of Practice Amendment Act of 2023
The bill will impact the District of Columbia's Health Occupations Revision Act of 1985, enabling the Board of Dentistry to license and regulate various dental specialties. It also sets standards that require dentists to be properly certified to engage in specialty practices such as oral and maxillofacial surgery, which involves surgical and adjunctive treatment. The financial implications of this bill are considered minimal, with sufficient funding available for its implementation across a multi-year fiscal plan through 2027, making it economically viable for the district.
B25-0632, the Dental Specialties Licensure and Scope of Practice Amendment Act of 2023, proposes significant changes to the existing regulations governing dental practices in the District of Columbia. The key features of the bill include expanding the scope for dentists to administer immunizations and vaccinations, and permitting the use of botulinum toxin and other FDA-approved neurotoxins for dental procedures. This amendment seeks to formalize practices that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic and aligns the District's dental regulations with those of other states, ensuring local dentists can operate with comparable authority.
Notable points of contention surrounding the bill include concerns about accountability and the regulation of ownership arrangements in dental practices. The legislation addresses a loophole that has allowed non-dentists to exert control over dental practices, thereby threatening the integrity and professional judgment of licensed dentists. Some stakeholders argue that further limitations imposed by the bill could unintentionally restrict business operations and create compliance burdens, while supporters advocate for stricter regulations to protect patient interests and uphold ethical standards within dental care.