Health Occupations - Dental Assistants - Certification and Regulation
If enacted, SB714 will impact existing statutes affecting the roles and responsibilities of dental assistants. The bill mandates that any dental assistant performing specific procedures must be certified, while still allowing certain tasks to be completed under direct supervision of licensed dentists without requiring certification. This dual approach aims to strike a balance between ensuring proper oversight in dental practice while also recognizing the contribution of trained assistants to patient care.
Senate Bill 714 aims to establish a certification and regulatory framework for dental assistants in the state. This legislation specifies which intraoral procedures dental assistants may perform without certification by the State Board of Dental Examiners and also outlines the procedures that require certification. The bill looks to enhance the professionalism and accountability within the oral health care sector, ensuring that dental assistants operate under defined guidelines that reflect their training and competencies.
During the discussions surrounding SB714, there were notable points of contention regarding the balance of responsibilities between dental assistants and dentists. Proponents argue that certification will enhance patient safety and care quality, whereas opponents express concern about the potential added bureaucratic burden and implications for dental practice operations. Additionally, conversations touched on the adequacy of training programs and the resources needed to implement the proposed regulatory changes effectively.