HI SB371

Increases the Board of Dental Examiners from twelve to thirteen members by adding one dental hygienist member, bringing the total dental hygienist representation from two to three members.

Requires two of the three dental hygienist members to be residents of Honolulu and one to be a resident of Hawaii, Maui, or Kauai counties to ensure neighbor island representation.

Establishes that a background in public health dentistry is a desirable, but not mandatory, qualification for at least one dentist member of the board.

Maintains existing composition of eight practicing dentists and two public members, with geographic distribution requirements for dentist appointments (one from each of Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai counties, and five from Honolulu).

Becomes effective on July 1, 2070.