Bill > HB3418

This bill creates a new category of dental professional called a dental therapist in Illinois. The bill establishes comprehensive regulations for dental therapists, including their education requirements, licensing process, scope of practice, and supervision by dentists. To become a dental therapist, an applicant must be at least 21 years old, complete a 3-year dental therapy program accredited by the American Dental Association, pass a dental therapy examination, and maintain current CPR certification. Dental therapists will work under a written collaborative management agreement with a supervising dentist, who will define the specific services the dental therapist can perform. These services include procedures like evaluating radiographs, placing space maintainers, performing pulpotomies on primary teeth, dispensing certain medications, and conducting oral evaluations. The supervising dentist will determine the level of supervision required and can limit the dental therapist's practice. The bill also outlines disciplinary procedures, continuing education requirements, and other administrative details for dental therapists, integrating them into the existing Illinois Dental Practice Act. The goal appears to be expanding access to dental care, particularly in underserved communities, by creating a new mid-level dental professional with defined responsibilities and oversight.

Health and Social Services

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3418&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104