OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill increasing the services dental assistants and hygienists are allowed to perform for patients has been signed into law by the governor.

Rep. David Smith, R-Arpelar, is the author of House Bill 3934. The measure also expands the list of recognized accrediting agencies. 

"This will help us fill gaps, particularly in rural Oklahoma, where people lack access to dentists," Smith said. "This becoming law means people can get necessary dental care where they are instead of having to travel long distances or suffering without treatment."

Smith worked with the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry, the Oklahoma Dental Hygiene Association and the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry on the language for the bill.

Among other changes, the measure removes language that would permit a dental assistant to assist the dentist only under the direct supervision or direct visual supervision and control of the dentist. A dental assistant instead now will be allowed to work under general supervision of a dentist to assist a dental hygienist with procedures that the hygienist is allowed to perform under general supervision.

The measure also updates the definition of treatment facility to include a church with a non-profit clinic. In addition, the measure allows a patient of record to be established by teledentistry for emergency or hygiene treatment if the patient is physically located at the office or facility and the dentist is not readily available.

Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, is the Senate author of the legislation.

“This new law will help strengthen Oklahoma’s dental workforce by streamlining the path for qualified dentists and dental hygienists to practice in our state,” Pederson said. “This legislation removes barriers while maintaining high professional standards, helping fill critical roles and improving access to dental care for Oklahomans.”

The bill passed with an emergency clause, meaning it is now effective.