SB 25-194: Sunset Dental Practice Act

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

The act makes changes to the "Dental Practice Act" (act) by: Continuing the act for 9 years, until 2034; Updating and adding definitions; Changing the membership of the Colorado dental board (board); Adding to and updating the grounds for which the board may take disciplinary action against an applicant for licensure or a licensee; Allowing a licensee's submission to a mental or physical examination to satisfy the requirement to notify the board of a condition that may impair the licensee's ability to practice; Adding as exemptions to the act the volunteer practice of dental therapy and dental hygiene under specific conditions; Subjecting dentistry practiced by a professional service corporation to certain limits and requirements; Repealing exceptions that allow a dental therapist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant to perform certain dentistry practices and including additional tasks in the practice of dentistry; Clarifying that a dental assistant, dental hygienist, or dental therapist may perform tasks consistent with rules adopted by the board; Requiring a provider who performs itinerant surgery to develop and maintain protocols for emergency follow-up care; Clarifying the authority of a licensed dentist to prescribe orders electronically; Requiring a peer health assistance program selected as a designated provider for the dentist peer health assistance program to provide training to dentists who practice monitoring services; Authorizing a dentist to self-refer to participate in a peer health assistance program or be referred by the board; Removing a requirement that dental therapy education schools and programs must be accredited or approved by a specific entity; Requiring the board to adopt rules that allow for expedited, temporary licensure during a declared disaster emergency; Regulating anesthesia inspectors and requiring the board to design and implement expedited permitting of dentists with certain anesthesia or sedation training; Updating the business information a licensee must provide to the board and the circumstances under which providing the information is required; Repealing specific tasks that are currently authorized to be performed by a dental hygienist; Updating procedures for the construction of dental devices by an unlicensed technician; Updating the list of practices that are considered to be the practice of unsupervised dental hygiene; Repealing the specific dosages of certain drugs that a dental hygienist may prescribe; Authorizing the board to adopt rules that identify safe prescribing alternatives to silver diamine fluoride as a treatment for strengthening teeth and preventing tooth decay; Identifying tasks that constitute practicing supervised dental hygiene; Requiring a dental hygienist performing an interim therapeutic restoration to confirm a referral for follow-up care with a dentist; Limiting the number of dental hygienists or dental therapists that a dentist may supervise; and Authorizing a dental therapist to perform specific tasks.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 20 · Republican 2

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. May 5, 2025Governor Signed
2. April 25, 2025House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
3. April 25, 2025Signed by the President of the Senate
4. April 25, 2025Sent to the Governor
5. April 25, 2025Signed by the Speaker of the House
6. April 24, 2025House Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended to House Committee of the Whole
7. April 24, 2025House Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments
8. April 22, 2025House Committee on Health & Human Services Refer Unamended to Appropriations
9. April 17, 2025Senate Third Reading Passed with Amendments - Floor
10. April 17, 2025Introduced In House - Assigned to Health & Human Services
11. April 16, 2025Senate Third Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments
12. April 15, 2025Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments - Committee, Floor

Showing 12 most recent of 15 actions. Full history