DENTAL PRACTICE ACT SUNSET

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Extends the repeal of the Illinois Dental Practice Act from January 1, 2016 to January 1, 2026. Amends the Illinois Dental Practice Act. Adds the position of vice-chairman to the Board of Dentistry, who shall be a dentist. Moves the following provisions into the provisions concerning types of dental licenses: licensure of applicants from other states, temporary authorization to practice, issuance of temporary permits, the display of licenses, fees, and penalties. Makes changes concerning what constitutes the practice of dentistry. Sets forth provisions concerning expanded functions for dental assistants. Removes language allowing the Department to make an exemption from the continuing education requirements for dentists and dental hygienists who agree not to practice within the State during the licensing period because they are retired from practice. Provides that certain fines shall be paid within 60 days after the effective date of the order imposing the fine or in accordance with the terms set forth in the order imposing the fine. Provides for the employment of dental investigators. Provides that the duly authorized dental investigators shall have the right to enter and inspect, during business hours, the business premises of a dentist licensed under the Act or of a person who holds himself or herself out as practicing dentistry, with due consideration for patient care of the subject of the investigation, so as to inspect the physical premises and equipment and furnishings therein. Makes changes in provisions concerning consent orders, disciplinary actions, hearings, and patient records. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.