Oklahoma House Bill HB1889

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Professions and occupations; State Dental Act; removing certain acts constituting practice of dentistry; effective date.

Impact

If enacted, HB1889 will impact existing laws regarding dental licensing and practice definitions. By fine-tuning the definitions and potentially reducing the acts that constitute practicing dentistry, the legislation could influence how dental care is delivered in Oklahoma. It may also pave the way for wider participation in dental-related services by non-dentists, such as dental assistants or hygienists, thereby impacting the overall landscape of oral healthcare delivery in the state.

Summary

House Bill 1889 seeks to amend the State Dental Act in Oklahoma by eliminating certain acts that are classified as practicing dentistry. The bill aims to clarify what constitutes dental practice and to outline specific acts that are not necessarily regarded as such. This modification is intended to streamline regulations and reduce potential barriers for various healthcare professionals who may perform tasks related to oral health without being classified strictly as dentists.

Contention

Concerns around HB1889 may include the debate over the safety and quality of care arising from allowing non-dentists to perform tasks previously reserved for licensed dentists. Critics might argue that relaxing these definitions could lead to a dilution of professional standards, potentially putting patient safety at risk. Proponents, however, may argue that the bill is essential for enhancing access to dental care, especially in underserved communities where dentist availability is limited.