In Wisconsin, AB 945 and SB 784 are pending in their respective chambers. The bills seek to authorize the licensure and practice of dental therapists. AGD staff and WI AGD leadership are collaborating on outreach measures to legislators and the public on the issue of dental therapists.

Arizona’s dental therapist bill, SB 1377, is still pending in the House, and was considered by the House Health Committee on March 15, 2018. If you live in Arizona, please contact your legislator and ask them to oppose the bill.

In Idaho, H 465 passed the Senate, and is awaiting the Governor’s signature. The bill seeks to restore preventative dental care to adults who receive Medicaid in Idaho. The Medicaid dental benefits were cut in 2011.

In Missouri, HB 1268 passed in a floor vote and was reported to the Senate. The bill allows the Missouri Dental Board to issue dental faculty permits to individuals who are employed by dental schools or programs, in lieu of requiring them to licensed to practice dentistry in the state.

In Utah, HB 192 was signed into law. The bill allows licensing boards to make recommendations to the Legislature concerning proposed amendments to licensing acts.

If you would like more information on legislative matters in your state, or are interested in carrying out advocacy on AGD issues, please contact us at advocacy@agd.org or visit the AGD’s Advocacy webpage.