SB1929: Dental Game Changer: New Law Shakes Up Dentist Rules

Dentist drama unleashed: New rules spark controversy

This article was written with the assistance of ai software*

Photo bydrshohmelian

What does SB1929 want to accomplish?

SB1929 changes a bunch of rules in the State Dental Act.

What are some of the changes it makes?

➡️It gives more power to the Board of Dentistry to oversee things. Now, certain dental procedures can be done by more people, like dental hygienists with extra training.

➡️It lets military folks and dentists from other states get licensed here easier for some things.

➡️It also changes the types of permits dental assistants and surgery assistants can get.

➡️There are new rules about keeping records of patients and bigger penalties for breaking the rules.

➡️The law also gives more power to review and investigate complaints about dentists.

➡️It makes it easier to cancel certain decisions and updates how licenses can be given up.

Who will this law benefit?

✔️Dental Hygienists:
Those with extra training could perform more advanced procedures.

✔️Active Duty Military Personnel:
They might find it easier to get a dental license in Oklahoma.

✔️Out-of-State Dentists:
They could get licensed more easily for specific purposes in Oklahoma.

✔️Dental Assistants and Surgery Assistants:
They might have more options for the types of permits they can get.

✔️Patients:
Stricter record-keeping rules could mean better care and protection of their information.

✔️Complaint Review Panels:
They'll have more authority to look into complaints about dental care.

What are some concerns people might have about this law?

⚠️Increased Costs:
Implementing new rules and overseeing more procedures could be expensive.

⚠️Quality Concerns:
Allowing more people to perform advanced procedures might raise concerns about the quality of care.

⚠️Out-of-State Competition:
Local dentists may face more competition from out-of-state dentists who can now easily get licensed.

⚠️Confidentiality Risks:
Stricter record-keeping rules could burden dental practices and potentially increase risks of data breaches.

⚠️Board Oversight Challenges:
Giving more power to the Board of Dentistry might lead to stricter enforcement, which could be seen as overly controlling.

⚠️Legal Complexity:
More rules and changes could make it harder for dental professionals to understand and comply with the law.

This bill was signed into law on April 22, 2024 and goes into effect November 1, 2024.

➡️Is this something that you think Oklahomans need? Will it benefit the county you live in?

*********************************************
Hi, I'm Judy! I love talking about the area I live in and what affects us. Follow me if you'd like more stories like this.