North Dakota Dental Board proposes bill to enhance workforce and licensure pathways

The House Industry, Business and Labor Committee convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss significant legislative changes proposed in Senate Bill 2217, aimed at addressing workforce challenges in the dental sector. The meeting featured key testimonies from Senator Cleary and David Scheible, Executive Director of the North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners.

Senator Cleary opened the discussion by outlining the primary goals of the bill, which include enhancing workforce development through expanded licensure pathways for dental assistants and hygienists. The proposed changes would allow hygienists to administer local anesthetics and streamline licensure for out-of-state and retired professionals wishing to engage in volunteer work. Additionally, the bill seeks to modernize administrative practices, enabling continuous application reviews and strengthening disciplinary protocols to ensure patient safety.

Scheible emphasized the pressing workforce shortages faced by dental practices, noting that many dentists struggle to find sufficient staff, which in turn affects patient care and business operations. He highlighted the board's proactive approach over the past two years, engaging with various stakeholders to identify pain points and develop solutions to alleviate workforce constraints.

The committee was informed of several impactful changes proposed in the bill. Notably, the introduction of a professional health program would provide a confidential avenue for dental professionals facing mental health or substance use issues to seek help without fear of disciplinary action. This initiative aims to support practitioners in maintaining their licenses while receiving necessary care.

Scheible also mentioned that the board had successfully implemented administrative rule changes that have already resulted in the licensing of new dental assistants, thereby increasing the workforce capacity in dental offices. He expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts with stakeholders, which have led to broad support for the proposed legislative changes.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion and questions from committee members, indicating a continued commitment to addressing the challenges within the dental workforce in North Dakota. The proposed bill represents a significant step towards improving the operational landscape for dental practices and ensuring quality care for patients across the state.