Bill > HB06575

This bill seeks to expand the pool of dental hygienists in Connecticut by allowing foreign-trained dentists to qualify for dental hygienist licensure under specific conditions. To be eligible, these foreign dentists must have legally practiced dentistry for at least five years in another country and provide the Connecticut Department of Public Health with an official certificate documenting their licensure and professional practice duration from their home country's dental licensing board. Additionally, these applicants must meet competency requirements established by the Commissioner of Public Health. The underlying goal of the legislation is to address potential workforce shortages in dental hygiene by recognizing the professional skills and experience of dentists trained outside the United States, ultimately aiming to improve access to oral healthcare services for Connecticut residents.