Bill > SB842

This bill amends The Dental Law to modify several provisions related to dental practice and licensing in Pennsylvania. The bill expands the definition of "practice of dentistry" by increasing the permissible duration of clinical continuing education courses from twenty days to one year and broadens the scope of "restricted faculty license" to include teaching at clinical facilities owned by dental schools, affiliated academic health care centers, or dental school-owned faculty practices. The legislation also updates licensing requirements for dentists, dental hygienists, and expanded function dental assistants by mandating individualized assessments of moral character for individuals with criminal convictions, consistent with state law. For restricted faculty licensees, the bill allows more flexible practice options, including full-time faculty teaching and clinical practice within educational facilities, and expands acceptable training qualifications to include international programs and general practice residencies. Additionally, the bill removes previous limitations on teaching at satellite or off-campus sites for faculty licensees. These changes aim to provide more comprehensive and flexible pathways for dental professionals to teach and practice, while maintaining professional standards and public safety. The bill will take effect 60 days after its enactment.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=842