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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
AMENDED
dental board; formal hearings
(NOW: dental board; hearings; hygienist supervision)
Purpose
Modifies the procedures of the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners (BODEX) when investigating and adjudicating a complaint against a licensee. Specifies examination requirements for a dental hygienist to administer local anesthetics.
Background
BODEX is established to promote the safe and professional practice of dentistry. The mission of BODEX is to provide professional, courteous service and information to the dental profession and the general public through: 1) the examination and licensure process; 2) the complaint adjudication and enforcement processes; and 3) the protection of oral health, safety and welfare of Arizona citizens through a fair and impartial system (A.R.S. Title 32, Chapter 11).
BODEX on its own motion, or its investigation committee, may investigate evidence that appears to show the existence of any of the causes or ground for disciplinary action. BODEX or its investigation committee must conduct necessary investigations, including interviews between the investigation committee or representatives of BODEX and the licensee with respect to any information obtained by or filed with BODEX or obtained by BODEX or its investigation committee during the course of an investigation. If, after completing its investigation or review, BODEX finds that the information provided is sufficient to merit disciplinary action against a licensee, BODEX may request that the licensee participate in a formal interview before BODEX. If the licensee refuses or accepts the invitation for a formal interview and the results indicate that grounds exist for license revocation or suspension, BODEX must issue a formal complaint and order that a hearing be held in accordance with the uniform administrative hearing procedures. If, after completing a formal interview, BODEX finds that the information provided is insufficient to merit a license revocation or suspension, BODEX may: 1) dismiss the complaint; 2) order disciplinary action; 3) enter into a consent agreement with the licensee for disciplinary action; 4) order nondisciplinary continuing education; or 4) issue a nondisciplinary letter of concern to the licensee (A.R.S. 32-1263.02).
A dental hygienist under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist may administer local anesthetics under specified criteria including that the dental hygienist successfully completes an examination in local anesthesia given by the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) or a written and clinical examination of another state or regional examination that is substantially equivalent to the requirements of Arizona, as determined by BODEX (A.R.S. ยง 32-1281).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Allows BODEX, after completing an investigation or review, to issue a formal complaint and order that a formal hearing be held if it is found that the information provided is sufficient to merit a license revocation or suspension.
2. Allows BODEX to take specified actions if after completing a formal hearing it is found that the information provided during the investigation or review is insufficient to merit a license revocation or suspension.
3. Allows a dental hygienist to administer local anesthetics under the direct supervision on a licensed dentist if the dental hygienist successfully completes an examination in local anesthesia given by a state or regional testing agency in the United States, rather than the WREB.
4. Makes technical and conforming changes.
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Amendments Adopted by Committee
2. Makes technical changes.
House Action Senate Action
HHS 2/10/25 DP 11-0-0-1 RAGE 3/5/25 DPA 6-0-1
3rd Read 2/20/25 58-0-2
Prepared by Senate Research
March 7, 2025
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