House committee approves modernization of Kentucky Dental Practice Act

State Representative Derek Lewis told the Licensing and Occupations Committee that House Bill 776 is intended to modernize Kentucky’s Dental Practice Act and align Chapter 313 with current standards of practice.

Jeff Allen of the Kentucky Board of Dentistry told the committee the bill is the product of more than a year of work by the board and stakeholders. Allen said the bill updates definitions, establishes a consistent biennial license renewal cycle, clarifies the board’s structure and executive director duties, strengthens delegation and training standards for hygienists and registered dental assistants, and updates telehealth provisions with informed‑consent and confidentiality protections.

Lewis said an ownership provision originally considered was removed from the bill and that sponsors have agreed that without that deletion the bill would not move forward. He also said the measure clarifies that clinical decision‑making (diagnosis, treatment planning and professional judgment) remains the province of licensed dentists.

The bill includes a provision allowing the board to use certain excess licensing funds to establish scholarships to attract dentists to the state, a point raised by co‑sponsor Chad Hall who said the change is intended to help recruitment efforts. Committee members asked questions about scope, and the committee recorded a motion and voted to approve the bill. Chairman Cook announced the committee’s approval and said the bill will come to the House floor with the sponsor’s proposed amendment.