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SB 2862

AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- DENTISTS AND DENTAL HYGIENISTS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Bell and 8 co-sponsors

Rhode Island SB 2862 would modify licensing, scope of practice, supervision, and disciplinary rules for dentists and dental hygienists to update professional regulation and patient

06/05/2026 Referred to House Corporations
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2862

Overview

SB 2862 (Rhode Island, 2026) is an act related to the regulation of dentists and dental hygienists within the state. The bill’s stated purpose is to modify aspects of professional practice for dentists and dental hygienists, including scope of practice, licensure, supervision, or other regulatory standards. The bill has a series of sponsors and has progressed through committee considerations with staged hearings and potential amendments.

What the bill aims to accomplish

  • Clarify or adjust regulatory requirements for dentists and dental hygienists operating in Rhode Island.
  • Potentially address licensing procedures, scope of practice, supervision rules, or disciplinary/complaint processes.
  • Align dental professional regulation with broader health care regulatory frameworks or state professional practice acts.

Note: The exact textual provisions are not provided here, but the bill title and committee actions indicate changes to the statutory framework governing dentists and dental hygienists.

Key provisions and changes (as implied by the bill type)

  • Licensing and licensure renewal: Possible adjustments to eligibility criteria, renewal timelines, or continuing education requirements.
  • Scope of practice: Potential refinements to what dentists and dental hygienists may do under supervision, including procedures or services permitted.
  • Supervision and delegation: Possible changes to the level of supervision required for dental hygienists or for certain procedures performed by licensed professionals.
  • Professional discipline: Possible updates to complaint, investigation, and sanction processes for licensees.
  • Corporate practice or ownership: The bill could address corporate ownership, practice structure, or non-dentist ownership controls (common in health professions regulation), though this is not certain without the text.
  • Public safety and consumer protections: Strengthening measures to protect patients, ensure quality of care, and standardize professional conduct.

Who would be affected

  • Licensed dentists practicing in Rhode Island.
  • Licensed dental hygienists and those seeking licensure.
  • Dental practices, clinics, and educational or training institutions that educate or employ licensed dental professionals.
  • State regulatory bodies or boards responsible for dentistry licensure and discipline (e.g., state dental board or equivalent agency).

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Introduced and referred to Senate committee (March 4, 2026).
  • Committee consideration and markup history:
    • March 27, 2026: Scheduled for hearing/consideration (moved to April 2, 2026).
    • April 2, 2026: Committee recommended the measure be held for further study.
    • May 29, 2026: Scheduled for consideration (with a target or scheduled date of June 2, 2026).
  • Sponsors: A broad slate of eight co-sponsors, including Brian Thompson, Lammis Vargas, Bridget Valverde, Sam Bell, Alana DiMario, Ana Quezada, Pam Lauria, Lori Urso, and Melissa Murray, indicating bipartisan or cross-ideological support from multiple legislators.

Potential impact

  • If enacted, the bill would modify the regulatory regime governing dental professionals in Rhode Island, potentially affecting licensure processes, practice scope, supervision requirements, and disciplinary procedures.
  • Practices may need to adjust operational protocols, staffing, or governance to comply with updated standards.
  • Public patients could benefit from clarified standards of care, supervision, and accountability for dental professionals.

Next steps for readers

  • Monitor the legislative calendar for final committee action and floor votes.
  • Review the bill’s text once released to understand exact changes to statutes and any effective dates.
  • If applicable, consult professional associations or legal counsel for interpretation of how changes may affect a specific practice or licensing status.

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

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