SB 1362 Summary

• Amends Arizona dental practice law to add definitions for "affiliated practice dental hygienist" and "teledentistry," and updates examination and licensure requirements for dentists and dental hygienists.

• Repeals section 32-1211 and modifies clinical examination requirements to allow applicants to use examinations from other states or regional testing agencies administered within five years (or more than five years under licensure by credential provisions).

• Establishes affiliated practice relationships allowing dental hygienists with specified experience or education to initiate treatment and maintain provider-patient relationships pursuant to written agreements with supervising dentists in healthcare facilities and public health settings.

• Updates expanded function dental assistant duties to include placement of interim therapeutic restorations under general supervision via teledentistry consultation, and allows sealant and fluoride varnish application under general supervision.

• Provides one-time renewal fee waivers for dentists, denturists, and dental hygienists licensed before January 1, 2018, for license renewals in calendar years 2018-2020.