SB 684 Summary

• Expands Oklahoma State Board of Dentistry's regulatory authority over dental professionals, including dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and a new category of oral maxillofacial surgery assistants.

• Requires dental assistants and oral maxillofacial surgery assistants to obtain permits within 30 days of employment, with a supervising dentist currently licensed in Oklahoma.

• Increases the maximum number of full-time-equivalent employees for the Board of Dentistry from 5 to 10, and authorizes the Board to waive renewal fees for dental assistants.

• Modifies licensing requirements, including extending temporary dental licenses from 30 days to 90 days or the next regularly scheduled Board meeting, and allows patient treatment for Western Regional Examining Board Exam participants.

• Permits retired dentists with valid licenses to provide volunteer, non-paid dental care without malpractice insurance; becomes effective July 1, 2013 with emergency provisions.