relative to the composition of the board of dental examiners and relative to the practice of dentistry and when radiographic examinations are required.

The bill's title and scope were expanded to cover 'the practice of dentistry and when radiographic examinations are required,' not just board composition.

A new finding section was added citing the 2026 ADA/AAOMR clinical recommendations that radiographic screening should not be performed before a clinical examination and that benefits must outweigh radiation risks, especially for children and young adults.

A new paragraph (II-a) in RSA 317-A:17 was inserted requiring that the decision to obtain a radiograph or CBCT scan be based on the patient's medical and dental histories, clinical examination, disease risk assessment, presence of a clinical condition, and previously obtained imaging.

When a patient refuses a radiographic examination, the dentist may still treat the patient but must require the patient to sign a waiver of liability indicating the patient waives the right to sue if lack of imaging results in unforeseen injury.

The board is prohibited from taking disciplinary action (license suspension, revocation, or other) against a dentist for actions taken pursuant to the new radiographic examination provisions.

The board shall not take action against a licensee for variations from clinical guidelines intended to provide person-centered care specific to each individual's needs, values, and preferences.

The effective date was split: Section 1 (board composition) takes effect September 1, 2026, while the new radiographic examination provisions take effect 60 days after passage of the act.