Report Title:

Professions and Occupations; Dentistry; Licensing

Description:

Allows out-of-state licensed dentists to obtain a license to practice dentistry in Hawaii if certain criteria are met.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

3075

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING TO PROFESSIONAL LICENSING.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that while Hawaii's ratio of one dentist per one thousand two hundred fifty seven is favorable, all urban and rural areas have a shortage of dentists willing to treat the neediest populations. Hawaii's children have one of the highest rates of dental cavities in the country. A shortage of dentists has a detrimental affect on Hawaii's oral health.

Shortages of dentists have resulted from state licensing restrictions that have discouraged qualified dentists from coming into this State. One alternative is licensure by credentials, or licensure without examination. This is now an acceptable pathway in the majority of licensing jurisdictions. Forty-three states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico grant licenses by credentials to dentists meeting certain criteria. Hawaii is one of four states that does not grant licensure by credentials or have discretionary authority by statute to do so.

The legislature further finds that stringent state dental licensure requirements and scope of practice regulations, while serving to protect the public, can also have unintended and unfortunate consequences. Differences among states' rules can impede professional mobility and make it difficult for the dental workforce to respond to changes in the demand for skilled dental personnel, due to demographic changes in states or regions.

The purpose of this Act is to allow dentists not licensed in Hawaii, but who meet certain criteria, to be licensed to practice dentistry in Hawaii.

SECTION 2. Chapter 448, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§448-   Application for examination; exempt. (a) An applicant may be granted a license without examination as required by this chapter, upon payment of any required fees, if, as determined by the board of dental examiners:

(1) The applicant holds a current license in another jurisdiction;

(2) The applicant has practiced for a minimum of five years; and

(3) The jurisdiction in which the applicant holds a current license has licensure standards equivalent to this State.

(b) The board of dental examiners may also require an applicant to:

(1) File with the examiners documentation certifying the applicant is licensed and in good standing to practice in another state; and

(2) Provide information as the examiners deems necessary and within the scope of this chapter."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________