AN ACT AUTHORIZING FOREIGN DENTISTS TO QUALIFY FOR LICENSURE AS A DENTAL HYGIENIST IN THE STATE.

SB 841 allows foreign-trained dentists who have practiced lawfully for at least five years in another country to qualify for dental hygienist licensure in the state. To be eligible, applicants must provide a certificate from their foreign dental board confirming their practice history and meet additional competency standards set by the Commissioner of Public Health. The bill amends existing licensing laws to create this pathway, directly affecting dentists trained outside the U.S. who seek to work as dental hygienists. It does not change requirements for U.S.-trained dentists or hygienists.