HI SB725

Grants the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs authority to issue cease and desist orders against unlicensed dental practice or violations of dental licensing laws when an immediate and unreasonable threat to public safety or fraud exists.

Cease and desist orders must include findings of fact and conclusions of law, be served according to chapter 91 procedures, and become effective upon service.

Continued unlicensed dental practice after service of a cease and desist order constitutes a class C felony.

Recipients of cease and desist orders may request a hearing within five business days of service; the board must hold the hearing within seven business days to determine whether the order should be terminated.

Cease and desist orders remain in effect until a final board decision in disciplinary proceedings or termination following a hearing occurs, whichever is first, but cannot exceed thirty business days.

Expands the definition of dentistry to include dispensing tooth whitening agents and teeth whitening or bleaching by any means or method, with exemptions for over-the-counter products and board-authorized non-dentists.