Committee advances SB1311 to let unlicensed dental assistants meet infection‑control requirements via approved courses or an exam
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Summary
SB1311 would let unlicensed dental assistants comply with infection‑control requirements either by passing the Dental Assisting National Board infection‑control exam or completing approved courses. Supporters argued it improves workforce access; some dentists urged amendments to require hands‑on training.
Chair presented SB1311 as an update to the Dental Practice Act that would allow unlicensed dental assistants to meet infection‑control requirements by completing either the Dental Assisting National Board infection‑control exam or an approved course. The Chair said proposed technical amendments in the analysis would be accepted.
Lawrence Gain, speaking for the California Dental Association, urged support, saying approved online courses would enable timely infection‑control training for unlicensed assistants and strengthen the dental workforce to improve patient access.
Dr. Guy Acheson, representing the California Academy of General Dentistry, urged a "support if amended" position, arguing the national exam currently has no coursework requirement and lacks a hands‑on component key to infection‑control skills such as proper donning and doffing of personal protective equipment. He said substituting an exam for hands‑on training could leave critical gaps and asked for an amendment to ensure practical training.
The committee discussed the concerns and the Chair noted that the national exam is targeted toward infection control and that online courses are an acceptable method of instruction; the committee accepted the proposed technical amendments and moved SB1311 to Senate Appropriations with a recorded vote marked 6 to 0 among members present.
Further amendment discussions were anticipated between the author and stakeholders.