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Senate advances broad revisions to Colorado Dental Practice Act to appropriations after stakeholder negotiations
Summary
Senate Health & Human Services sent Senate Bill 194 — a comprehensive update to the Dental Practice Act — to the Appropriations Committee after testimony and sponsor amendments. The bill revises scope of practice, licensure rules, temporary licensure during emergencies, and peer‑assistance program requirements.
Senators advanced Senate Bill 194, an extensive reauthorization and update of Colorado’s Dental Practice Act, sending the measure to Appropriations with a favorable recommendation and sponsor amendments.
Sponsors said SB 194 reflects more than two years of work by the Colorado Dental Association (CDA), the Colorado Dental Hygienists Association (CODHA), education programs and other stakeholders. The bill clarifies the definition of accredited education, updates the composition of the Colorado Dental Board, expands some hygienist authorities in limited settings, and requires the Board to promulgate an expedited temporary‑licensure process for emergencies or acute workforce shortages.
Kevin Patterson, president of the Colorado Dental Association and oral‑maxillofacial surgeon, urged support and described forthcoming amendments to clarify accreditation language and create a streamlined anesthesia permitting process. “Accredited education is paramount for the provision of safe dental care in The United States,” Patterson said.
Dental hygienists and public‑health providers testified in favor, describing mobile clinics, school‑based programs and rural access challenges. “Allowing dental hygienists to prescribe specific medications to help with acute infections, perform screening tests like blood glucose screenings, and facilitate referrals … will help improve patient outcomes and patient safety,” said Alyssa Aberle, a licensed dental hygienist who works in mobile shelter clinics.
Witnesses including representatives from Delta Dental and the Division of Professions and Occupations urged technical amendments. DORA said a mandated jurisprudence exam could increase licensing fees and produced no evidence showing the exam reduces violations; the division flagged potential fiscal impacts that sponsors said they would address.
Outcome: The committee adopted several sponsor amendments (definitions, board composition, immunization language, guidance on anesthesia permits) and moved SB 194 as amended to Appropriations with a favorable recommendation.
What’s next: The bill proceeds to Appropriations for potential fiscal review and then to the Senate floor if approved.
