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HF 805

A bill for an act relating to the practice of dental assistants without registration by the dental board.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Establishes supervised on-the-job training letting dental assistants practice without immediate registration; the Iowa Dental Board will set training, supervision, and safety rules.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · HF 805

Summary — HF 805 (enacted as Chapter 41)

A bill relating to the practice of dental assistants without registration by the dental board — signed by the Governor May 1, 2025.

Main purpose

HF 805 creates a statutory pathway allowing persons to practice as dental assistants without first obtaining a certificate of registration, provided they successfully complete a term of practical, supervised training. The bill also clarifies terminology and scope‑of‑practice language for dental assistants and directs the Iowa Dental Board to adopt implementing rules.

Key provisions

  • Exception to registration requirement (amends §153.39)
    • A person may practice as a dental assistant without receiving a certificate of registration if the person successfully completes a term of practical training under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
    • The Dental Board must adopt rules under Iowa Code chapter 17A to implement this subsection (i.e., set training standards, supervision requirements, recordkeeping, etc.).
  • Scope of practice and definitions (amends §153.38 and related sections)
    • Confirms that a “dental assistant” for purposes of the section includes both registered dental assistants and dental assistants without a certificate of registration.
    • Continues to require that services performed by registered dental assistants be under the supervision of a licensed dentist and reiterates limits: the board shall not adopt rules delegating local anesthesia administration or the removal of hard deposits except by toothbrush, floss, or rubber‑cup coronal polish.
    • Maintains the pathway for RDAs with additional training to perform expanded functions (e.g., sealants, radiography as board rules permit).
  • Title use (amends §147.74)
    • Clarifies permitted title use (e.g., “registered dental assistant” or “R.D.A.”) following the practitioner’s name.
  • Enforcement language (amends §153.33)
    • Clarifies that engaging in or employing someone to engage in a practice regulated by the chapter without a current license/registration/permit/qualification is covered by enforcement provisions.

Who is affected

  • Prospective and current dental assistants: creates an on‑the‑job training pathway that allows practice without immediate registration if supervised training is completed.
  • Licensed dentists and dental practices: will supervise trainees and be responsible for delegated acts; practices will need to follow forthcoming board rules.
  • Iowa Dental Board: required to promulgate rules to implement training and supervision standards.
  • Patients: may see expanded use of trainees in dental settings under supervision.

Implementation and timeline

  • Enacted: Approved and signed by the Governor on May 1, 2025.
  • Operational effect: the statutory change is effective on enactment; however, practical implementation (specific training length, curriculum, supervision levels, oversight, documentation, transition rules) depends on administrative rules the Dental Board must adopt under chapter 17A.
  • Legislative history highlights: introduced March 5, 2025; House and Senate passage in April 2025 with amendments; final enrollment and governor’s signature May 1, 2025 (House concurrence with Senate amendment 4/15/2025). Final recorded votes included House (62–32 on 4/15) and Senate (32–15 on 4/9).

Potential impacts (summary)

  • Lowers a regulatory barrier to entering the dental assistant workforce via supervised practical training, potentially increasing workforce capacity and access to care.
  • Leaves safeguard authority to the Dental Board (rulemaking) to set training, supervision, and patient‑safety requirements.
  • Maintains core scope limits to protect patient safety (e.g., no delegation of local anesthesia or removal of hard deposits beyond limited prophylaxis methods).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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