RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 312 (SB 324) 2022 Regular Session Carter
Existing law provides for licensure of dentists and dental hygienists by the La. State Board
of Dentistry (LSBD).
Existing 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. New 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.
Existing 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. New law removes the requirement for the examination to include procedures
performed on human subjects.
Existing 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. New law updates the requirement to be consistent with existing 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))