SB 1690 Summary

• Establishes Board of Dentistry as a state agency with eight dentist members, one dental hygienist member, and two public representatives; clarifies residency requirements for dentist members based on primary license location.

• Requires Board to employ an Executive Director with authority to hire office staff, investigators, and enter contracts on behalf of the Board.

• Authorizes Board to issue temporary licenses for up to 90 days and dental intern/resident permits; implements criminal background checks for all applicants including fingerprinting and FBI records search.

• Adds new grounds for disciplinary action against dentists including inappropriate use of nitrous oxide, failure to maintain malpractice insurance, and unauthorized practice via internet/telecommunications in Oklahoma.

• Requires dentists to notify Board within 24 hours of patient deaths or emergency hospital visits related to dental practice; establishes Board authority to refer violations to district attorney and permits Board attorneys to assist in prosecutions.