DENTAL PRACTICE ACT

Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. In provisions concerning the necessity for the licensure of dentists, provides that, if an applicant neglects, fails without an approved excuse, or refuses to take the next available examination offered for licensure under the Act, the fee paid by the applicant shall be forfeited to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and the application shall expire (rather than shall be denied). In provisions concerning the required examination for licensure as a dentist and provisions concerning the required examination for dental hygienists, provides that, if an applicant fails to pass an examination for licensure under the Act within 3 years after filing an application, the application shall expire 3 years after the date the application was filed (rather than shall be denied). In provisions concerning persons who are licensed to practice dentistry in another state, provides that, if an applicant for substantial equivalence does not complete the application process in 3 years, the applicant's application shall expire 3 years after the date of submission of the application (rather than shall be denied). In provisions concerning third-party financing for dental services, provides that "agent of a dentist" means a person or company that is permitted, authorized, or contracted to act on behalf of a dentist or dental office (instead of on behalf of or with a dentist or dental office). Provides that the changes to the Regulatory Sunset Act are effective immediately.