Relating to the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene; to amend Sections 34-9-1, 34-9-5, 34-9-10, 34-9-11, 34-9-15, 34-9-26, 34-9-27, 34-9-43, 34-9-60, 34-9-63, and 34-9-86, Code of Alabama 1975; to further provide for penalties for violations; and qualifications for licensure and administration of controlled substances by dentists and dental hygienists.
The changes proposed in SB193 are expected to enhance public safety by ensuring that only qualified individuals can practice dental care and that they are adequately regulated. It allows for more efficient administrative processes, such as integrating disciplinary fines into annual registration fees, which will likely streamline the compliance framework. Moreover, it grants more authority to the state board to supervise and conduct inspections, thus strengthening regulatory oversight, which could lead to improved patient outcomes and accountability in dental practices.
SB193 addresses various aspects of dental practice within Alabama, specifically focusing on the licensure and regulatory framework governing dentists and dental hygienists. It establishes that the Board of Dental Examiners is empowered to deny or revoke licenses based on considerations of public health and safety. The bill defines critical terms related to the administration and dispensing of controlled substances, aligning them more precisely with current practices. Additionally, the bill modifies the qualifications necessary for licensing and re-licensing, certain operational protocols, and the responsibilities of dental hygienists.
Key points of contention surrounding SB193 include the implications of broadening the definition of supervisory roles within dental practice. Allowing dental hygienists to work under general supervision may raise concerns among some dental professionals about maintaining quality standards and safety. Additionally, the bill’s provisions allowing the board to deny licensure based on public interest grounds could lead to debates about the subjective nature of 'public interest' and potential discrimination in licensing decisions. Aspects of the bill related to administrative fines and their integration into licensing fees may also face scrutiny regarding transparency and fairness.