HB 5399 Connecticut House · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT CONCERNING DENTISTRY.

HB 5399 redefines supervision requirements for dental assistants and establishes new standards for expanded function dental assistants in Connecticut. It requires expanded function dental assistants to pass national exams, complete accredited programs, maintain certification, display credentials, and carry $500,000 professional liability insurance. The bill allows dental assistants to take x-rays, impressions, and apply fluoride varnish under direct supervision, while expanded function assistants may place temporary restorations, apply sealants, and perform coronal polishing under direct or indirect supervision. These changes directly affect dental assistants, expanded function dental assistants, and dentists who supervise them, effective October 1, 2026.

Issues: ✓ Healthcare

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

House Passage

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Feb 26, 2026 Last action Apr 13, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Raised Bill → PH Joint Favorable Substitute · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill was renamed from a 'Raised Bill' to a 'Substitute Bill', indicating it has been amended and is now a revised version. The most significant substantive change is the expansion of duties allowed for dental assistants, specifically granting them the ability to take dental x-rays without the dentist needing to be physically present in the office, while maintaining responsibility for the procedure. The bill also clarifies the supervision requirements for other procedures, distinguishing between those requiring direct supervision and those under indirect supervision.

Scope change

The scope of practice for dental assistants has been expanded to allow x-rays to be taken without the dentist's physical presence, whereas previously the dentist had to remain on-site.

REQUIREMENT

Dentists no longer need to remain on-site while a dental assistant takes x-rays, but they must still approve the procedure and assume responsibility for it.

Clarified that procedures like fluoride varnish and impressions require direct supervision, while other procedures can be performed under direct or indirect supervision.

TECHNICAL

The bill title was updated from 'Raised Bill' to 'Substitute Bill' and the committee reference page numbers were adjusted to reflect the new version.

Floor votes · House Apr 9, 2026

How they voted

128–5

Passed · 17 other

Total votes 150

Apr 9, 2026

D Democratic101

84 Yea 1 Nay 16

83% Yea

R Republican49

44 Yea 4 Nay 1

89% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 9, 2026

Lower · Passed

HOUSE PASSED

lower

Mar 9, 2026

Lower · Passed

Joint Favorable Substitute

lower

Feb 26, 2026

Committee

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Health

lower

12 primary · 0 co-sponsors