Several states have recently passed laws and regulations changing how dentistry is practiced.
Here are three states making changes:
Illinois
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation that makes changes to the Dental Practice Act. The changes updated provisions to fix an oversight in the workforce legislation that was passed last spring and clarified provisions that deal with patient records when a dental practice closes, among other changes.
Gov. Pritzker also signed a law requiring all healthcare providers, including dentists, to electronically submit prescriptions for controlled substances.
Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board authorized the Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee to administer the practical examination required to license dentists. This allows students at the university to complete the examination before graduating.
California
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law providing more clarity to dentists on what type of dental benefit plan they are dealing with. Under the new law, plans are required to disclose in multiple ways if it is state or federally regulated at the time of determining coverage. The increased disclosure will allow dentists and patients to know which regulatory entity to contact when conflict occurs with a dental plan.