OklahomaHB 3934Oklahoma 2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Professions and occupations; practice of dentistry; definitions; committees; practice; licensing; effective date; emergency.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

16 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 3 costs, 8 mixed.

New permits and paths for assistants

Dental assistants must have a Board permit, pass a background check, and complete a Board‑approved infection control class within one year. Assistants generally work under direct dentist supervision, with narrow general‑supervision exceptions. CODA‑trained assistants who pass the Oklahoma jurisprudence exam may receive expanded‑duty permits if their program covered Board materials. Out‑of‑state assistants with two years of a valid permit and one year doing the expanded duty can get reciprocity. Military assistants can qualify using service, training, and verified clinical experience. The Board can discipline assistants for listed violations.

Hygienists gain skills, with staffing cap

Dental hygienists may earn permits for advanced procedures, such as nitrous oxide, local anesthesia, lasers, neuromodulators, phlebotomy, and venipuncture, after approved training or credentials. Experienced hygienists can do certain initial‑visit procedures in treatment facilities with a dentist’s written authorization and must refer patients to a dentist after. Each dentist may schedule no more than 120 hygienist hours per week (up to three full‑time hygienists).

Law takes effect immediately

The act takes effect right after passage and approval. The new rules apply now.

More volunteer and church dental care

Dentists and hygienists can get a no‑fee volunteer license to give free care to needy patients. No continuing education is required when the volunteer license is under one calendar year. Applicants must show past unrestricted licensure and agree to provide only uncompensated care, with locations and dates listed. The Board oversees volunteer workers and sets supervision rules. Church‑affiliated volunteer mobile clinics that display the church name and take only donations through the church do not pay the state registration fee. Church nonprofit clinics and accredited dental schools and programs count as treatment facilities.

Easier licensure by credentials

Dentists and hygienists licensed elsewhere can apply by credentials. Dentists need 500 hours in the past five years; hygienists need 420 hours. The Board may accept ADEX and similar regional exams with the listed clinical parts. Military spouses with active licenses may qualify under federal law.

Pilot path for foreign-trained dentists

The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry runs a three‑year pilot to create a pathway for foreign‑trained dentists to practice dental hygiene in Oklahoma. Applicants must show a valid foreign dental degree, two years of lawful practice abroad, pass TOEFL in the past five years, complete OU’s evaluation, pass the ADEX hygiene exam, pass the National Board Dental Hygiene exam, and pass Oklahoma’s jurisprudence exam.

Clear rules on dental practice

The law defines what counts as practicing dentistry, like diagnosing, removing or filling teeth, taking x‑rays, and making dentures. It bars unlicensed practice and lists who is allowed to do certain tasks, like supervised students, licensed hygienists, and dental assistants under proper supervision. Using a dental title or sign is presumed evidence of practicing dentistry.

Emergency and temporary licenses allowed

The Board President may issue emergency dental licenses for 30 days, extendable up to 90 days. Temporary hygiene licenses last until the next Oklahoma hygiene clinical exam. During declared disasters or pandemics, the Board may change exam rules for up to a year and issue temporary licenses with clear start and end dates.

License posting and contact updates

All licensees and permit holders must display their current license or permit in a visible place at the office. You must keep an official address and email on file with the Board and update your address within 30 days if you move. The Board may serve notices by registered mail, in person, to your attorney by agreement, by a process server, or by a Board investigator.

Accreditation required for surgery centers

Dental ambulatory surgical centers must meet the same rules as dental offices and be accredited by an appropriate accrediting entity. Dentists who run these centers must obtain and keep accreditation.

Dental practices must register and keep records

Professional entities that provide dental services must register with the Board before offering care and update that registration each year. The Board sets the form and fee and can enforce the rules. Every dental office and treatment site must keep a written record for each patient and provide records to regulators on request. Practices that fail to register or keep records can face penalties under state law.

Teledentistry rules for Oklahoma dentists

If you diagnose, prescribe, or practice dentistry by telehealth for a patient in Oklahoma, you must hold an Oklahoma dental license. Dentists may consult, diagnose, and treat patients of record by video or store‑and‑forward tools. A patient of record can be created by telehealth only for emergency or hygiene care when the patient is at a dental office or treatment site and a dentist is not readily available. Dentists must document tele visits and keep an Oklahoma office for follow‑up and records.

Core license and education rules

Dentists must be at least 21 and hygienists at least 18. Applicants must pass Board‑approved written and clinical exams within five years and pass Oklahoma’s jurisprudence exam. You must graduate from a U.S. or Canadian accredited program and pass National Boards. The law also recognizes the Canadian dental accreditor and other accreditors recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

New limits and duties for hygienists

The law lists what a dentist can delegate to a dental hygienist. Most work must be on a patient of record and under dentist supervision. General supervision lasts up to 13 months after the dentist’s exam. Some advanced procedures are allowed for trained hygienists but need set supervision levels. Hygienists cannot own or run an independent hygiene practice.

Specialty dental licenses and limits

The Board may issue specialty licenses to dentists who finish accredited specialty training or are board‑certified. You must pass Oklahoma’s jurisprudence exam and meet exam or board‑certification rules. If you hold only a specialty license, you may practice only within that specialty.

New dental board advisory committees

The Board of Dentistry now runs several standing and advisory committees. They study practice and safety issues and advise on education, exams, and permits. The Dental Practice and Anesthesia Committees may have up to 18 members; others up to 10. Members are split between Board picks and a statewide dentists’ group and serve staggered three‑year terms.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

David Smith
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Roland Pederson
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 166 • No: 6

Senate vote • 4/29/2026

THIRD READING

Yes: 41 • No: 4

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

emergency

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Committee vote: Health & Human Services

Yes: 11 • No: 0

House vote • 3/24/2026