MD HB373

State Board of Dental Examiners may conduct unannounced inspections of dental offices upon receiving a written complaint to verify compliance with CDC standard precautions and infection control guidelines for dental health-care settings

Dentists and dental hygienists face disciplinary action for failing to comply with CDC infection control guidelines, with an exception for emergency life-threatening situations where compliance is not feasible

Dentists may be disciplined for employing or supervising expanded function dental assistants who are not properly certified by the Board

New disciplinary framework established for certified expanded function dental assistants, allowing the Board to deny, reprimand, place on probation, or revoke certificates for violations including incompetent practice, performing unauthorized procedures, substance abuse, felony convictions, and sexual misconduct

Effective date: October 1, 2026