Representatives Melissa Bierlein and Paul Martis introduced House Bills 45-93 and 45-94 to clarify that only dentists licensed in a recognized specialty may represent themselves as specialists. Representative Bierlein said the bills "restore honesty in advertising, protect patients, and uphold integrity in Michigan's dental profession." She said a 2020 lawsuit had led to rule changes that allowed general dentists to market themselves as specialists in unrecognized areas such as implantology or cosmetic dentistry.

Dr. Doug LeDoux, testifying in person, described multiple patient cases he said illustrated the problem. He recounted one child who presented to his clinic with a draining fistula; after referral records showed a different general-practice dentist had told the family the tooth was healthy, LeDoux said the X-rays plainly showed an abscess and the child later required extraction. LeDoux said parents are confused by website listings that place non‑specialists in sections labeled for pediatric dentists.

By Zoom, Dr. Joshleen Betty, a board‑certified orthodontist, described adults and young adults who began orthodontic treatment with providers who advertised as "specialists" but did not meet specialty licensing standards. She said one 19‑year‑old had a large cyst in the lower jaw that went undetected because the treating provider did not take standard pre‑treatment records, and the patient required oral surgery to remove pathology and lost multiple lower incisors.

Witnesses said the bills target advertising and specialty claims rather than preventing general dentists from treating patients who choose them. Witnesses suggested clear website disclosures and restrictions on using specialist titles without the appropriate specialty license. The committee read in support cards from the Council of Michigan Dental, the Michigan Dental Association and the Michigan Association of Orthodontists. No vote on the bills was taken at the hearing.