SB193 Summary

• Adds new definitions to Alabama's dental practice law including "administer," "dispense," and "practice of dentistry across state lines" to clarify controlled substance authority and out-of-state practice.

• Changes penalties for unlicensed practice and violations from misdemeanor to Class C felony with fines up to $5,000 and up to 12 months hard labor.

• Expands dental hygienist licensure pathways to include graduates from approved schools or individuals with dental assistant experience and trainee permits, with board discretion to deny licenses contrary to public interest.

• Establishes "special purpose license" for dentists to practice dentistry across state lines if their home state permits reciprocal licensing and the applicant has no disciplinary actions.

• Updates anesthesia and sedation permitting requirements to specify training standards, facility inspections, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification for dentists administering general anesthesia, parenteral sedation, or conscious sedation.