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STATE OF OKLAHOMA
2nd Session of the 60th Legislature (2026)
SENATE BILL 1831 By: McIntosh
AS INTRODUCED
An Act relating to the practice of dentistry;
amending 59 O.S. 2021, Sections 328.23 and 328.29a,
as last amended by Section 11, Chapter 273, O.S.L.
2025 (59 O.S. Supp. 2025, Section 328.29a), which
relate to the State Dental Act; modifying certain
exams; modifying certain supervision requirement; and
providing an effective date.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 59 O.S. 2021, Section 328.23, is
amended to read as follows:
Section 328.23. A. The President of the Board, upon
verification that a person meets the requirements provided for in
this section and any other requirements provided for in the State
Dental Act, may issue an emergency temporary license to practice
dentistry for thirty (30) days. A temporary license may be extended
but shall not exceed ninety (90) days or the next available
regularly scheduled Board meeting.
B. The President of the Board, upon verification that a person
meets the requirements provided for in the State Dental Act, may
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issue an emergency temporary license to practice dental hygiene,
which shall expire as of the date of the next dental hygiene
clinical examination in Oklahoma, as required by the Board.
C. An active duty military spouse residing with the active duty
member having met the requirements for licensure shall be eligible
for a temporary license.
D. Any applicant requesting an emergency temporary license
shall submit a letter explaining the exigent circumstances along
with all application materials. The determination of whether or not
to grant the emergency temporary license based upon the exigent
circumstances shall be at the sole discretion of the President or
acting President of the Board.
E. A holder of a temporary license to practice dentistry or
dental hygiene shall have the same rights and privileges and be
governed by the State Dental Act and the rules of the Board in the
same manner as a holder of a permanent license to practice dentistry
and dental hygiene.
F. The President of the Board may authorize patient treatment
and care by individuals taking the Commission on Dental Competency
Assessments (CDCA) or the Western Regional Examining Board exam, or
other regional exams as approved by the Board, American Board of
Dental Examiners (ADEX) exam in order for such individuals to
complete criteria related to Board examinations. The Board may
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authorize specialty examinations to be given throughout the year as
needed.
SECTION 2. AMENDATORY 59 O.S. 2021, Section 328.29a, as
last amended by Section 11, Chapter 273, O.S.L. 2025 (59 O.S. Supp.
2025, Section 328.29a), is amended to read as follows:
Section 328.29a. A. The following acts or occurrences by a
dental assistant shall constitute grounds for which the penalties
specified in Section 328.44a of this title may be imposed by the
Board of Dentistry or be the basis for denying a new applicant any
license or permit issued by the Board:
1. Any of the causes now existing in the laws of this state;
2. A violation of the provisions of the State Dental Act; or
3. A violation of the rules of the Board promulgated pursuant
to the State Dental Act.
B. The Board shall also have the power to act upon a petition
by a dental assistant for reinstatement to good standing. The Board
shall keep a record of the evidence and proceedings in all matters
involving the revocation or suspension of a permit, censure or
probation of a dental assistant. The Board shall make findings of
fact and a decision thereon. Notification of the licensee or permit
holder shall occur pursuant to Section 328.21 of this title.
C. The decision shall be final unless the dental assistant
appeals the decision as provided by the State Dental Act.
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D. The Board shall have power to revoke or suspend the permit,
censure, or place on probation a dental assistant for a violation of
one or more of the following:
1. Pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, or being convicted
of, a felony crime that substantially relates to the occupation of a
dental assistant and poses a reasonable threat to public safety, or
a violation of federal or state controlled dangerous substances
laws;
2. Presenting to the Board a false application or documentation
for a permit;
3. Being, by reason of persistent inebriety or addiction to
drugs, incompetent to continue to function as a dental assistant;
4. Functioning outside the general direct or direct visual
supervision of a dentist for a procedure as required by the State
Dental Act;
5. Performing any function prohibited by Chapter 15 of the
Oklahoma Administrative Code or any violation that would be a
violation for a dentist or hygienist under Section 328.32 or 328.33
of this title, or any other duty not assignable to a dental
assistant; or
6. Failure to secure an annual registration as specified in
Section 328.41 of this title.
E. The Board’s review panel, as set forth in Section 328.43a of
this title, upon concurrence with the president of the Board, may
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determine that an emergency exists to temporarily suspend the permit
of a dental assistant if the panel finds that public health, safety
or welfare imperatively requires emergency action. The panel may
conduct a hearing pursuant to Section 314 of Title 75 of the
Oklahoma Statutes for the temporary suspension.
F. As used in this section:
1. “Substantially relates” means the nature of criminal conduct
for which the person was convicted has a direct bearing on the
fitness or ability to perform one or more of the duties or
responsibilities necessarily related to the occupation; and
2. “Poses a reasonable threat” means the nature of criminal
conduct for which the person was convicted involved an act or threat
of harm against another and has a bearing on the fitness or ability
to serve the public or work with others in the occupation.
SECTION 3. This act shall become effective November 1, 2026.
60-2-3156 DC 1/14/2026 11:06:10 PM