CT SB00993

Repeals and replaces Section 20-112a to establish three categories of dental assistants: noncredentialed dental assistants (with on-the-job or accredited program training), credentialed dental assistants (holding Dental Assisting National Board certification), and expanded function dental auxiliaries (credentialed assistants, dental hygienists, or those with specialized training).

Allows licensed dentists to delegate dental procedures to dental assistants under supervision, including x-rays for those passing the Dental Assisting National Board's radiation health and safety examination, but prohibits assistants from diagnosis, anesthesia administration, tissue removal, and certain restorative work unless they are expanded function dental auxiliaries.

Requires expanded function dental auxiliaries to maintain current certification, display credentials at workplace, carry professional liability insurance of at least $500,000 per occurrence and $1.5 million aggregate, and practice only under direct dentist supervision.

Limits dentists to supervising no more than two expanded function dental auxiliaries at one time (or four if practice is limited to orthodontics) and requires documentation of qualifications available for Department of Public Health inspection.

Allows expanded function dental auxiliaries to practice in public health facilities or dental health professional shortage areas and requires the Commissioner of Public Health to adopt implementing regulations in consultation with the State Dental Commission by October 1, 2013.