Bill > HF340

This bill modifies existing Iowa law to allow individuals to practice as dental assistants without being formally registered by the dental board, provided they complete a term of practical training under a dentist's supervision. The bill makes several technical changes across multiple sections of the state code, primarily removing the word "registered" before "dental assistant" in various contexts and adjusting language to reflect the new training pathway. Specifically, the bill requires the dental board to create rules for implementing this new practical training approach, while maintaining existing guidelines about the scope of dental assistants' work. The changes preserve important oversight mechanisms, such as the board's ability to investigate complaints and discipline dental assistants, but remove the previous mandatory registration requirement. Dental assistants will still be required to work under a licensed dentist's supervision and can only perform tasks authorized by the dental board. The bill appears designed to provide more flexible entry into dental assistance work while maintaining professional standards and patient safety.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF340