HB 372: Dental Practice Amendments - Utah

Substitute #4 → Enrolled · 7 edits · Mar 26, 2025

MODERATE

This bill updates Utah's dental practice laws to modernize definitions, adjust board membership, and significantly expand the scope of practice for dental hygienists and assistants. Key changes include creating new 'expanded functions' that allow certified auxiliaries to perform procedures like placing restorations and administering botulinum toxin, clarifying supervision rules for teledentistry, and updating the board to include two licensed dental hygienists. These changes aim to increase access to dental care by allowing more procedures to be performed by non-dentists under specific supervision levels.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of practice for dental hygienists and dental assistants to include 'expanded functions' such as placing direct restorations and removing dental adhesive, which were previously restricted to dentists. It also clarifies supervision requirements for teledentistry and public health settings.

DEFINITION

Added definitions for 'asynchronous technology,' 'synchronous technology,' and 'expanded function' to clarify telehealth and new procedural capabilities.

ELIGIBILITY

Modified the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Licensing Board composition to include two licensed dental hygienists instead of four, reflecting a shift in board representation.

REQUIREMENT

Added new 'expanded functions' that certified dental auxiliaries can perform under indirect supervision, including placing direct restorations and administering botulinum toxin.

Modified supervision requirements to distinguish between 'direct,' 'general,' and 'indirect' supervision, clarifying when a dentist must be physically present versus merely available for consultation.

Modified teledentistry provisions to allow dentists to establish initial relationships for specific conditions like sleep apnea or orthodontic needs without an in-person exam, provided follow-up care is arranged.

Modified dental hygiene school rules to allow teaching and performing expanded functions in clinical settings until May 31, 2027, or until specific rules are issued.

Added requirements for informed consent in teledentistry cases, mandating disclosure of service limitations and provider credentials.

Introduced → Substitute #1 · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill significantly updates Utah's dental practice laws to modernize definitions, clarify supervision levels, and expand the scope of practice for dental hygienists and assistants. Key changes include adding a new definition for 'expanded function,' reorganizing the scope of practice for dental hygienists to allow for more delegated tasks, and updating teledentistry rules to allow for initial diagnoses of sleep disorders and orthodontic needs remotely. The bill also introduces a new section creating a certification program for dental auxiliaries to perform specific advanced procedures like placing restorations and administering botulinum toxin.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of practice for dental hygienists and dental assistants by allowing them to perform 'expanded functions' under indirect supervision and clarifies the rules for teledentistry, including permitting dentists to establish initial relationships with patients for sleep apnea and orthodontic care via telehealth.

DEFINITION

Added a new definition for 'Expanded function' to clarify procedures authorized under the new Section 58-69-808.

REQUIREMENT

Reorganized the scope of practice for dental hygienists to separate general supervision duties from indirect supervision duties, such as administering nitrous oxide and performing expanded functions.

Added a new section establishing a certification program for dental auxiliaries to perform specific expanded functions like placing restorations and administering botulinum toxin.

Updated teledentistry provisions to allow dentists to establish initial patient relationships for diagnosing sleep-disordered breathing and malpositioned teeth remotely, provided an in-person exam occurs before treatment begins.

Clarified that dental hygienists in public health settings can practice without general supervision if they meet specific liability and notification requirements.

TECHNICAL

Corrected formatting and numbering errors in the definitions section and renumbered subsections for clarity.

Substitute #3 → Substitute #4 · 7 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends Utah's dental practice laws to update definitions, clarify supervision requirements for dental professionals, modify dental hygiene school provisions, and revise teledentistry rules. The changes clarify how dental hygienists and assistants can operate under different supervision levels, update teledentistry standards to match traditional care, and establish new certification pathways for expanded dental functions.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of teledentistry services and clarifies supervision requirements for dental hygienists and assistants, while adding new certification requirements for dental auxiliaries performing expanded functions.

DEFINITION

Updated definitions for supervision levels (direct, general, and indirect) to clarify when dentists must be present or available for consultation.

Added new definitions for asynchronous and synchronous technology to clarify teledentistry capabilities.

REQUIREMENT

Revised dental hygiene practice standards to allow hygienists to work in public health settings without general supervision under specific conditions.

Updated teledentistry provisions to require informed consent and ensure standards match traditional in-person care.

Created new certification requirements for dental auxiliaries to perform expanded functions like botulinum toxin administration and direct restorations.

Clarified that dental hygienists cannot perform duties requiring in-person supervision through teledentistry.

ELIGIBILITY

Modified dental hygiene school provisions to allow expanded functions in clinical settings under indirect supervision until May 31, 2027.

Substitute #2 → Substitute #3 · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill updates Utah's dental practice laws to clarify supervision levels, expand dental hygienist scope of practice, and modernize teledentistry regulations. The changes aim to improve access to dental care while maintaining patient safety through clearer oversight requirements.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of practice for dental hygienists and dental assistants, particularly in public health settings, and clarifies teledentistry standards for remote care delivery.

DEFINITION

Redefined supervision levels (direct, general, and indirect) to clarify when dentists must be physically present versus available for consultation.

ELIGIBILITY

Expanded dental hygienist scope to allow administration of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide under indirect supervision in public health settings without direct dentist presence.

REQUIREMENT

Added new certification requirements for dental auxiliaries to perform expanded functions like botulinum toxin administration and direct restorations.

Updated teledentistry provisions to clarify when remote care is appropriate versus when in-person examinations are required.

TECHNICAL

Reorganized and renumbered definitions and practice standards sections for clarity and consistency.

Substitute #1 → Substitute #2 · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends Utah's dental practice laws to clarify definitions of supervision levels, expand dental hygienist scope of practice in public health settings, update teledentistry provisions, and establish new certification requirements for expanded dental functions. The changes aim to modernize dental practice regulations while maintaining patient safety standards.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of practice for dental hygienists in public health settings to allow practice without general supervision under specific conditions, and clarifies teledentistry supervision requirements.

DEFINITION

Redefines supervision levels (direct, general, indirect) to clarify when dentists must be physically present versus available for consultation.

ELIGIBILITY

Allows dental hygienists to practice without general supervision in public health settings if they meet specific requirements including liability insurance and patient consent.

REQUIREMENT

Updates teledentistry provisions to clarify that certain procedures cannot be performed remotely and requires informed consent for teledentistry services.

Creates new certification requirements for dental auxiliaries to perform expanded functions like botulinum toxin administration and direct restorations.

TECHNICAL

Reorganizes and clarifies the practice of dental hygiene definitions by restructuring subsections and removing redundant language.

TIMELINE

Sets effective date of May 7, 2025, and includes a sunset provision for dental hygiene school expanded function rules until May 31, 2027.

Dental Practice Amendments

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