Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 7838: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- DENTISTS AND DENTAL HYGIENISTS
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 7838 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island House on February 27, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- DENTISTS AND DENTAL HYGIENISTS. Primary sponsor: Jenni Furtado (Democratic), David Morales (Democratic), Enrique Sanchez (Democratic), Megan Cotter (Democratic), Jose Batista (Democratic), Grace Diaz (Democratic), Jennifer Stewart (Democratic), Joshua Giraldo (Democratic), Arthur Handy (Democratic), Cherie Cruz (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (April 14, 2026): 04/14/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Allows foreign-trained dentists and dental hygienists to obtain limited licenses if they graduate from reputable dental colleges or universities, work under a supervising dentist, and pass a board-approved exam.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 10
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jenni Furtado | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 64 |
| David Morales | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 7 |
| Enrique Sanchez | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 9 |
| Megan Cotter | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 39 |
| Jose Batista | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 12 |
| Grace Diaz | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 11 |
| Jennifer Stewart | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 59 |
| Joshua Giraldo | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 56 |
| Arthur Handy | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 18 |
| Cherie Cruz | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 58 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 04/14/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 04/10/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/14/2026)
- 02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Corporations