HI HB696

Renames the "Board of Dental Examiners" to the "Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene" to more accurately reflect the board's regulatory scope over both dentists and dental hygienists.

Effective July 1, 2018, increases board membership from twelve to fifteen members and expands dental hygienist representation from two to five members, with three required to be Oahu residents and two from neighbor islands.

Allows consideration of public health dentistry background as a desirable qualification for at least one practicing dentist board member.

Clarifies that dental assistants cannot perform services or procedures within the scope of dental hygiene practice unless they are licensed dental hygienists; prohibits board rules from infringing upon, overlapping with, or conflicting with licensed professionals' duties.

Requires any future amendments to the scope of practice for dental professionals or auxiliary personnel to be made by the legislature through statute rather than by board rule alone.