SB 22-219 Summary: Regulation of Dental Therapists

• Establishes licensure and regulation of dental therapists in Colorado, effective May 1, 2023, requiring graduation from accredited dental therapy programs and successful completion of clinical examinations.

• Authorizes dental therapists to perform specific clinical tasks under dentist supervision, including preparing/placing restorations, extracting certain teeth, placing crowns, and administering local anesthesia, with different supervision requirements based on practice hours.

• Adds two dental therapist members to the Colorado Dental Board (effective July 1, 2031), with diversity requirements for appointments regarding race, ethnicity, immigration status, income, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and geography.

• Requires dental therapists to maintain professional liability insurance of $500,000 per incident and $1.5 million annual aggregate, consistent with dentist requirements.

• Appropriates $14,786 to the Department of Regulatory Agencies and $14,786 to the Department of Law for implementation, effective January 1, 2023.