The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Brandi Cannon.
DIGEST
SB 324 Original 2022 Regular Session Carter
Present law provides for licensure of dentists and dental hygienists by the La. State Board of
Dentistry (LSBD).
Present law provides that applicants for licensure as a dentist or dental hygienist shall present
satisfactory evidence of having taken an examination in the theory and practice of the profession
given by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations before being accepted for the
regular examination given by the LSBD, or pass an examination given by the LSBD in the theory
and practice of the science of profession in addition to the regular examination given by the LSBD.
Proposed law removes the requirement for the applicant to be examined by the LSBD and provides
for the applicant to present satisfactory evidence of having taken and passed an examination in the
theory and practice of the profession given by the Joint Commission on National Dental
Examinations.
Present law provides for the licensure of an applicant who has successfully completed any national,
regional, or independent third-party clinical dental or dental hygienist licensing examination
approved by the LSBD that includes procedures performed on human subjects as part of the
assessment of restorative clinical competencies and who satisfies all other requirements. Proposed
law removes the requirement for the examination to include procedures performed on human
subjects.
Present law requires an applicant for licensure as a dental hygienist to be a citizen or a permanent
resident of the United States unless otherwise prohibited by the North American Free Trade
Agreement. Proposed law updates the requirement to be consistent with present law requirements
for applicants for licensure as a dentist by requiring the dental hygienist be a citizen or possess valid
and current legal authority to reside and work in the United States duly issued by the United States
Citizenship and Immigration Services or its successor.
Effective August 1, 2022.
(Amends R.S. 37:761(A)(4) and (C) and 764(A)(2) and (5) and (D); repeals R.S. 37:761(D) and
764(E))