SF3559 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Dentistry profession licensure, registration, scope of practice, continuing education, and disciplinary grounds modifications
Related bill: HF3516
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill would reform the regulation of dentistry in Minnesota. It changes licensure, registration, scope of practice, continuing education requirements, and disciplinary grounds; it creates new license types and pathways (including for faculty, residents, volunteers, and nonaccredited program graduates); and it updates related fees and exemptions.
Overall goals
- Update how dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, and dental assistants are licensed and regulated.
- Create new, specialized license categories to support education, public health, and flexible teaching/research roles.
- Expand access to care through public-health-focused licenses and volunteer/emeritus pathways.
- Align Minnesota rules with recognized accrediting bodies (e.g., CODA) and national examinations.
Key Provisions and Changes
Faculty dentists and licenses
- Introduces faculty licenses for members of dental education programs.
- Distinguishes between limited faculty licenses (teaching/research within a school) and full faculty licenses (broader practice, including outside the school, if the dentist is employed at least 50% time by the school or program).
- Deans and program directors must certify which faculty members practice dentistry under these licenses.
- Faculty licenses are tied to status as a member of the school’s faculty and follow specific renewal rules.
Resident dentists
- Creates a resident dentist license allowing graduates or students in advanced programs to practice under supervision.
- The license is designed to align with public programs and may be renewed annually.
- The license does not authorize independent practice; supervision is required.
Specialty dentists
- The board may issue specialty licenses in recognized dental specialties.
- Requirements include completing a postdoctoral specialty program accredited by CODA, board certification or recognized examination, active practice in the prior 36 months, and successful completion of board interviews and record reviews if requested.
- English proficiency and NBDE/Jurisprudence exam passages may be required.
- Scope of practice for specialty license is defined by the relevant specialty boards.
Dental hygienists and dental assistants
- Licensure processes for hygienists and dental assistants follow standard paths but are aligned with the broader framework established in the bill (including exams, ethics, and Minnesota law knowledge).
- Details mirror typical credentialing, with potential waivers or credential-based routes.
Guest licenses and volunteer/public health provisions
- Establishes guest licenses to allow licensed professionals from other states to practice in Minnesota for limited periods in public health settings or nonprofit clinics serving indigent or underserved populations.
- Guest licenses have specific conditions, annual renewal, and a fee structure; they are limited to defined practice contexts and cannot be used to practice as a full Minnesota licensed professional.
- Volunteer host arrangements can include a separate volunteer license without fee for those providing care without compensation (with up to 10 days per year under certain conditions).
Continuing education and professional development waivers
- Retired or semi-retired licensed dentists, therapists, hygienists, or assistants who limit their practice to public health, indigent care, or nonprofit settings may receive a waiver of continuing education requirements.
- Waivers may require documentation and a minimum set of ongoing competencies (e.g., infection control, medical emergencies, and CPR certification).
Examinations and waivers
- The board may waive parts of licensing examinations under certain conditions (e.g., if an applicant has passed NBDE components or met other criteria).
- For graduates of CODA-accredited programs with certain postdoctoral residencies after 2004, the clinical exam may be waived.
- Other examination-related waivers may be granted at the board’s discretion based on alternative qualifications.
Licensure by credentials (dental assistant)
- Allows dental assistants to seek licensure by credentials in place of completing a board-approved dental assisting program.
- Requires evidence of graduation from an accredited program or current national certification, good standing in other jurisdictions, good moral character, and possible English proficiency testing.
- The board may waive specific licensure prerequisites and may require demonstration of core dental subject knowledge.
Emeritus active licensure
- Creates emeritus active licenses for those retired from practice but who wish to provide limited services (e.g., pro bono, up to 500 paid hours per year for supervision, or paid consulting up to 500 hours per year).
- Emeritus licensees may not present themselves as full licensees and remain subject to board rules and discipline.
- Renewal every two years is required.
Graduates of nonaccredited dental education programs
- Nonaccredited program graduates can obtain a limited general dentist license with a three-year supervised practice arrangement before receiving an unlimited license, provided supervising dentists approve and no disciplinary action exists.
- After the three-year period, unlimited licensure may be granted if supervision recommendations are favorable and there is no disciplinary action.
Exemptions and other provisions
- Maintains exemptions for practicing in the armed services, U.S. Public Health Service, or as part of accredited education programs under indirect supervision, among other existing exemptions.
- Public health and teaching-focused activities are emphasized, with rules guiding practice in school facilities and teaching settings.
Financial and administrative aspects
- Establishes or updates fees related to licenses, renewals, and various specialized licenses.
- Sets renewal intervals (annual or biennial) for different license types as appropriate to the license category.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Creation of multiple new license types (limited/full faculty licenses, guest licenses, resident dentist licenses, emeritus licenses, credential-based licensure for dental assistants, specialty licenses).
- Expanded pathways for education and teaching roles within Minnesota’s dental education ecosystem (faculty licenses tied to university oversight; dean/program director certification).
- New public-health and volunteer-focused provisions to improve access to care (guest licenses, volunteer service allowances, and retirement waivers tied to community service).
- Expanded exemptions and waivers to examinations and continuing education to accommodate various career paths and retirement scenarios.
- Introduction of nonaccredited program graduates’ pathway to licensure via a supervised period before full licensure.
Potential Implications
- Greater flexibility in how dental professionals work in Minnesota, including in universities, public clinics, and underserved communities.
- More pathways to licensure for international or nontraditional entrants via credentials and waivers.
- Increased emphasis on public health and teaching roles within dentistry.
- Need for practitioners to stay aware of new license types, renewal rules, and reporting requirements to protect patient safety and professional standards.
Definitions (glossary of key terms)
- Faculty dentist; limited faculty license; full faculty license
- Dean; program director; CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation)
- Resident dentist license
- Specialty licenses; postdoctoral residency; NBDE/National Board Examinations; jurisprudence examination
- Guest license; volunteer license
- Public health setting; indigent patients; volunteer services
- Emeritus active licensure
- Continuing education waiver; infection control; CPR certification
- Licensure by credentials; expanded functions; credential-based route
- Nonaccredited dental education programs; supervision
- General supervision; professional ethics; disciplinary action reporting
Relevant Terms dentistry licensure, Board of Dentistry, Minnesota Statutes 2024 150A sections, faculty license, limited faculty license, full faculty license, dean certification, program director certification, resident dentist license, specialty license, postdoctoral residency, CODA, National Board Examinations, NBDE, jurisprudence examination, English proficiency, guest license, volunteer services, public health clinic, indigent patients, emeritus active licensure, continuing education waiver, infection control, CPR certification, licensure by credentials, credentialing for dental assistants, nonaccredited programs, supervision, disciplinary action reporting, renewal cycles.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 17, 2026 | Senate | Action | Introduction and first reading | ||
| February 17, 2026 | Senate | Action | Referred to | Health and Human Services |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Definition of 'Faculty dentist' as a licensed dentist who is a faculty member of a school of dentistry or dental education program."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Defines Faculty dentist and ties the term to the school of dentistry faculty within 150A.06 subdivision 1a.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies the terminology used for faculty dentistry roles and references the related licensure provision (150A.06 subdivision 1a)."
]
},
"citation": "150A.01",
"subdivision": "subdivision 6a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"No substantive new practice elements; reaffirms the scope of practice in relation to the defined terms."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Amends the practice of dentistry definition to reflect the scope from 150A.01 to 150A.12.",
"modified": [
"Revisions focus on wording and cross-references; maintains existing practice boundaries."
]
},
"citation": "150A.05",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Explicitly outlines exemptions for certain educational and military contexts."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Amends exemptions and exceptions applicable to the practice of dentistry and dental operations.",
"modified": [
"Provides clarifying language around exemptions to the general practice rules."
]
},
"citation": "150A.05",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"New pathways and definitions related to licensure."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Establishes general licensure requirements for dentists; cross-references to other licensure provisions.",
"modified": [
"Overall licensure framework is updated to accommodate new licensure pathways (faculty, guest, etc.)."
]
},
"citation": "150A.06",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Faculty license categories (limited and full) and related renewal requirements."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Sets forth limited and full faculty license options for dental education program faculty.",
"modified": [
"Adds faculty license provisions linked to school of dentistry faculty members."
]
},
"citation": "150A.06",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Resident dentist licensure pathway with supervision and eligibility for medical assistance enrollment."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Defines resident dentists and related eligibility/ enrollment for medical assistance programs.",
"modified": [
"Creates supervised resident dentist license and related administrative steps."
]
},
"citation": "150A.06",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1b"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Specialty licensing framework with criteria (postdoctoral program, board certification, NBDE, etc.)."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Authorizes specialty licenses and outlines criteria for obtaining them.",
"modified": [
"Establishes specialty license track and related evaluation processes."
]
},
"citation": "150A.06",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1c"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Dental hygienist licensure requirements aligned with CODA-accredited programs."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Describes licensure for dental hygienists.",
"modified": [
"Updates to licensure process and examination requirements for dental hygienists."
]
},
"citation": "150A.06",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Licensure pathway for dental assistants with program and examination standards."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Describes licensed dental assistants.",
"modified": [
"Aligns dental assistant licensure with CODA-accredited education programs and board rules."
]
},
"citation": "150A.06",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Guest license allowing practice in public health settings or volunteer contexts, with supervision and criteria."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Creates a guest license program for practice in certain settings.",
"modified": [
"Adds guest licensing provisions and related renewal/discipline reporting requirements."
]
},
"citation": "150A.06",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2c"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Licensure by credentials framework enabling alternative pathways to licensure."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Expands licensure by credentials for dental professionals.",
"modified": [
"Details credential-based licensure process and board discretion."
]
},
"citation": "150A.06",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2d"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Waivers for examination components under certain conditions (e.g., NBDE success, or postdoctoral residencies)."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Waiver and examination processes for licensure.",
"modified": [
"Expands waiver pathways and relates to National Board examinations."
]
},
"citation": "150A.06",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Duties and criteria for credential-based licensure of dental assistants."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Licensure by credentials for dental assistants.",
"modified": [
"Broadened routes for licensure via credentials rather than formal program completion."
]
},
"citation": "150A.06",
"subdivision": "subdivision 8"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Special provisions for graduates of nonaccredited programs with supervised licensure after a defined period."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Graduates of nonaccredited programs; general/limited licensure pathway.",
"modified": [
"Adds supervised licensure term and potential unlimited licensure after three years if conditions are met."
]
},
"citation": "150A.06",
"subdivision": "subdivision 9"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Emeritus license with defined practice limitations (pro bono, licensed supervision, consulting)."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Emeritus active licensure for retired practitioners.",
"modified": [
"Creates emeritus licensing category and performance caps."
]
},
"citation": "150A.06",
"subdivision": "subdivision 11"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Broadened or adjusted board authority in licensure actions."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Amends administrative provisions related to licensure and board authorities.",
"modified": [
"Adjusts licensure processes and related board rules."
]
},
"citation": "150A.08",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Specific standards and disciplinary actions for licensure management."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Adds provisions related to licensure standards and disciplinary procedures.",
"modified": [
"Updates to disciplinary framework and license management."
]
},
"citation": "150A.081",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Details about application requirements and licensure criteria."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Definitions or provisions relating to licensure processes.",
"modified": [
"Refines licensure application and examination requirements."
]
},
"citation": "150A.091",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Additional steps for licensure or renewal under the board’s rules."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Additional licensure criteria and processes.",
"modified": [
"Adjusts criteria for licensure applications."
]
},
"citation": "150A.091",
"subdivision": "subdivision 4"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Group-specific licensure considerations embedded in statute."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Further licensure provisions for specific practitioner groups.",
"modified": [
"Expands scope of licensure categories and associated requirements."
]
},
"citation": "150A.091",
"subdivision": "subdivision 5"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Continuing education requirements and waivers addressed."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Professional development and continuing education alignment.",
"modified": [
"Updates to CE and professional development expectations for licensees."
]
},
"citation": "150A.091",
"subdivision": "subdivision 7"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Provisions linking licensure with public health practice settings."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Public health/licensure interplay provisions.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies scope of practice in public health contexts."
]
},
"citation": "150A.091",
"subdivision": "subdivision 8"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Context-specific licensure considerations (e.g., volunteer or public health clinics)."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Special provisions for licensure in certain contexts.",
"modified": [
"Adds context-specific licensure pathways."
]
},
"citation": "150A.091",
"subdivision": "subdivision 9a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Further refinement of licensure exemptions or prerequisites."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Additional licensure requirements or exemptions.",
"modified": [
"Updates to licensure prerequisites and exemptions."
]
},
"citation": "150A.091",
"subdivision": "subdivision 10"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Consolidation of licensure rules within this subdivision."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Final licensure provisions within 150A.091.",
"modified": [
"Refinements to licensure processes and disciplinary alignment."
]
},
"citation": "150A.091",
"subdivision": "subdivision 20"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"New subdivisions added for licensure-related provisions."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Adds licensure pathways or definitions under 150A.10.",
"modified": [
"Incorporates new licensure pathways into the statute."
]
},
"citation": "150A.10",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Further expansion of licensure criteria."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Additional licensure criteria or processes under 150A.10.",
"modified": [
"Refines licensure mechanics associated with 150A.10."
]
},
"citation": "150A.10",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Specific rules for implementation of 150A.10 provisions."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Additional provisions related to licensure under 150A.10.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies application and implementation details."
]
},
"citation": "150A.10",
"subdivision": "subdivision 4"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"New licensure criteria or process element in 150A.105(8)."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Adds or modifies licensure-related provisions under 150A.105.",
"modified": [
"Updates to licensure requirements and related procedures."
]
},
"citation": "150A.105",
"subdivision": "subdivision 8"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"New or adjusted licensure criteria for a specific category."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Adds or adjusts provisions under 150A.106 regarding licensure.",
"modified": [
"Refines licensure evaluation and eligibility thresholds."
]
},
"citation": "150A.106",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Defines emeritus active status scope and permitted activities."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Emeritus active licensure framework interacts with 150A.11.",
"modified": [
"Aligns emeritus licensure with board requirements and disciplinary standards."
]
},
"citation": "150A.11",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [
"Repeals Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 150A.06 subdivision 6."
],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement: repealing 150A.06 subdivision 6 (as amended in final): incorporates repeal.",
"modified": [
"Incorporates cross-reference to the 2025 Supplement repealing provision."
]
},
"citation": "150A.06",
"subdivision": "subdivision 12"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Reference to the Internal Revenue Code (federal law) via 501(c)(3) status for certain clinics."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Federal law reference: treatment of charitable organizations in relation to licensure waivers and clinic provisions using 501(c)(3) status.",
"modified": [
"No changes to federal law; the reference is used to establish nonprofit eligibility for certain clinics."
]
},
"citation": "Internal Revenue Code",
"subdivision": ""
}
]