HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

221

THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to dental assistants.

 

 

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

 


SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the proper certification of dental assistants is necessary to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the State's citizens.  Currently, Hawaii is one of only a handful of states that does not require dental assistants to be certified and the legislature finds that this exposes patients to unnecessary risks.  The legislature further finds that certification from a respected national board will help to ensure that dental patients receive the best available care.

The legislature also finds that the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc., is a respected organization that currently certifies more than thirty-seven thousand dental assistants nationwide.  The board's certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish qualification and certification requirements for dental assistants 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-     Dental assistants; minimum qualifications; certifications.  (a)  A person hired as a dental assistant in this State on or after July 1, 2019, shall meet the following minimum qualifications:

     (1)  Be at least eighteen years of age;

     (2)  Hold a high school diploma or have passed the general educational development test; and

     (3)  Hold a cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification.

     (b)  A person hired as a dental assistant on or after July 1, 2019, shall provide proof to the board of dentistry that the person has:

     (1)  Registered for the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. national entry-level dental assistant certification within one year of hire; and

     (2)  Obtained the national entry-level dental assistant certification from the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc., within three years of hire.

     (c)  A person who has been employed as a dental assistant for four years or more shall provide proof to the board of dentistry that the person has registered for the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc., certified dental assistant certification.

     (d)  A person who has been employed as a dental assistant for ten years or more on July 1, 2019, shall not be subject to the requirements of subsection (c) but shall by July 1, 2021:

     (1)  Obtain a cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification; and

     (2)  Provide proof to the board that the person has passed the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc., infection control examination.

     (e)  The state board of dentistry shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with this section.

     (f)  Licensed and registered dentists who employ dental assistants shall report to the board the names and certifications of the dental assistants that they employ."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2019.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

Dental Assistants; Minimum Requirements; Certifications

 

Description:

Establishes minimum qualification and certification requirements for all dental assistants.  Provides criteria for dental assistants hired on or after 7/1/2019, those with 4 or more years of experience, and those with 10 or more years of experience.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.