Dental Practice Act: foreign dental schools.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Business and Professions
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill addresses the shortage of dentists in California, particularly in rural and underserved areas, by extending the approval status of foreign dental schools that were previously approved before January 1, 2020. It allows these schools to continue operating while they pursue accreditation with a recognized body like CODA, requiring them to provide regular updates on their accreditation progress. The bill also makes specific provisions for graduates of these schools, deeming them to have graduated from an approved school regardless of whether the foreign school’s approval has expired, and establishing eligibility for licensure for graduates who enrolled after July 1, 2026. Ultimately, the bill aims to maintain access to dental care while ensuring that foreign dental schools meet current standards.
Key provisions
- Extends approval for foreign dental schools previously approved before January 1, 2020, allowing them to pursue accreditation.
- Requires these schools to provide regular updates to the Dental Board on their accreditation status.
- Deems graduates of these schools to have graduated from an approved dental school, regardless of expiration of foreign school approval.
- Makes graduates of schools with maintained approval who enrolled after July 1, 2026, eligible for licensure.
- Addresses the impact of H-1B visa fees on rural dental practices.
- Acknowledges the historical approval process for foreign dental schools.
- Establishes a timeline for foreign schools to apply for accreditation.
Who is affected
Bill text
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Sponsors
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1 on record
Primary sponsor
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