Bill > HB4461

This bill establishes a limited temporary licensure for foreign-trained dentists and dental hygienists in Oklahoma, allowing them to practice for up to five years under specific conditions. To qualify, foreign-trained dentists must demonstrate their education is equivalent to U.S. dental schools, pass national and clinical licensing exams, complete postgraduate training in specific specialties like Periodontics or Prosthodontics in their home country, have practiced for at least three of the last five years abroad, and have a job offer in a qualifying setting such as a public health program, hospital, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), or accredited educational institution. These dentists will be supervised by a licensed dentist in Oklahoma. The bill also outlines a pathway for foreign-trained dentists to obtain a dental hygienist license if they have practiced dentistry for at least three years in a regulated foreign jurisdiction, pass the ADEX Dental Hygiene Licensure Examination, and have education and training deemed equivalent by the Board. Crucially, all applicants must demonstrate English-language proficiency through a Board-approved exam, provide notarized English translations for foreign documents, and prove lawful status in the U.S. The Board of Dentistry will create rules for the implementation and oversight of these temporary licenses.

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb4461&Session=2600