HI HCR49

Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is requested to convene a dental assistant working group to develop and recommend certification requirements for dental assistants in Hawaii.

Working group membership consists of: Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (chair), Director of Health, a Board of Dentistry member, Hawaii Dental Association representative, Hawaii Dental Hygienists' Association representative, and Kapiolani Community College Dental Assisting Program representative.

Working group must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2021 Regular Session convenes.

Hawaii is among a small group of states that does not require dental assistant certification, which the resolution identifies as a gap in consumer protection and professional standards.

Certified copies of the resolution must be transmitted to the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Director of Health, Board of Dentistry Chairperson, and representatives from the Hawaii Dental Association, Hawaii Dental Hygienists' Association, and Kapiolani Community College.