Representative David Smith

R

District 18

Hi, I'm David Smith and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 18th District.


representative

News & Announcements

May 12, 2026
Recent Posts

New Law Expands OK Dental Care Options

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.

Mar 26, 2026
Recent Posts

Property Tax Freeze Question on Destroyed Homes Passes House

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Smith, R-Arpelar, on Thursday won unanimous passage in the House of a measure that would send to a vote of the people a question asking to freeze ad valorem taxes for people whose homes have been destroyed by natural disaster. House Joint Resolution 1046 would ask Oklahoma voters to consider freezing property taxes for one year if a home is destroyed by fire, tornado, earthquake or other meteorological events. To qualify for the exemption, the event must render a person's primary residence uninhabitable for at least six consecutive months and would be applicable based on when the damage occurred. If the damage occurs on or before June?1, the full exemption applies during that tax year; if it happens after June?1, the exemption applies in the following tax year. "If a person's home is destroyed, they should not have to continue to pay property taxes until they can live in it again," Smith said. "This common-sense measure would just grant property owners some relief in the event of natural disaster." Smith lost his family home in a fire several years ago. While this measure would not benefit him, he said the experience helped him understand the challenges faced by those who are displaced for long periods from their dwellings. The measure passed the House on a vote of 92-0. It now moves the State Senate where it is authored by Sen. Bryan Logan, R-Paden. If approved by the State Senate, HJR1046 will move to the Secretary of State who would be directed to refer a state question to the people for their approval or rejection on a future state ballot. The proposal would amend Section 6 of Article X of the Oklahoma Constitution.  

Mar 25, 2026
Recent Posts

Smith Passes Bill to Expand Dental Care for Rural Residents

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Smith, R-Arpelar, on Tuesday secured House passage of a bill that would increase the services dental assistants and hygienists are allowed to perform for patients. House Bill 3934 also would expand the list of recognized accrediting agencies.  "We're attempting to fill some gaps throughout all of Oklahoma where people lack access to dentists and hygienists," Smith said. "If this bill is signed into law, it would mean people could get necessary dental care where they are instead of traveling long distances or suffering without treatment." Smith explained the bill was put together with the help of the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry, the Oklahoma Dental Hygiene Association and the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Among other changes, the measure would remove 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 would be allowed to work under general supervision of a dentist to assist a dental hygienist with a procedures that the hygienist is allowed to perform under general supervision. The measure also seeks to update the definition of treatment facility to include a church with a non-profit clinic. In addition, the measure would allow 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. The bill passed the House on a vote of 94-1 and now advances to the State Senate where it is authored by Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington.