Bill > HB349

This bill amends the Dental Health Care Act to establish and regulate the practice of dental therapy in New Mexico, creating a new category of licensed dental therapists. It defines "dental therapist" and related terms like "dental therapist management agreement" and "dental health professional shortage area," and establishes a "New Mexico dental therapist joint committee" (joint committee) to make recommendations to the Board of Dental Health Care regarding dental therapist regulation, licensing, scope of practice, and discipline. The bill outlines the scope of practice for dental therapists, which includes a wide range of diagnostic, preventive, and restorative procedures, and specifies that they must practice under the general supervision of a dentist, with a dentist supervising no more than four dental therapists. It also details the requirements for dental therapist licensure, including being a licensed dental hygienist, passing an examination, and completing additional clinical hours. The bill amends various sections to integrate dental therapists into existing regulations concerning licensing, disciplinary proceedings, impaired professionals, and public service licenses, and ensures that dental therapists are recognized as healthcare practitioners for insurance and medical assistance program purposes.