SB 1296

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Dental Practice Act. Defines "public health supervision" as the supervision of a public health dental hygienist by a licensed dentist who has a written public health supervision agreement with that public health dental hygienist while working in an approved facility or program that allows the public health dental hygienist to treat patients without a dentist first examining the patient and being present in the facility during treatment who are uninsured and whose household income is not greater than 300% (rather than 200%) of the federal poverty level. Provides that the holder of a faculty limited license may advertise a specialty degree as part of the licensee's ability to practice in a faculty practice. Provides that a licensed dentist or dental hygienist who is a military service member or the spouse of a military service member may receive, without examination, in the discretion of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, a limited military license. Provides that a limited military license issued shall be valid for a period of 2 years and may be extended or renewed based on the military service member's or spouse's duty status. Provides that any person may be granted a license to practice dentistry, a dental specialty, or dental hygiene in the State as a member of the military service which has and maintains a standard for the practice of dentistry at least equal to that now maintained in the State and who has been lawfully engaged in the practice of dentistry or dental hygiene for at least 2 years (rather than 3 of the 5 years) immediately preceding the filing of his or her application, along with other specified requirements. Provides that dental records are the property of the office in which dentistry is practiced. Provides that a dental office that is closing and will not continue to offer dentistry services must provide notice to the public at least 30 days prior to the closure. Provides that the notice to the public shall include an explanation of how copies of the patient's records may be accessed or obtained by the patient. Makes other changes.