HI SCR125

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

Working group membership includes the DCCA Director (chairperson), Director of Health, a Board of Dentistry member, representatives from the Hawaii Dental Association and Hawaii Dental Hygienists' Association, and a representative from Kapiolani Community College's Dental Assisting Program.

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

Hawaii is identified as part of a small group of states that does not require dental assistants to be certified, and the resolution seeks to address consumer confidence and patient safety concerns.

Certified copies of the resolution must be transmitted to specified officials including the DCCA Director, Health Director, Board of Dentistry Chairperson, and representatives from relevant dental associations and educational institutions.