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HB 7838

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jose Batista and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island would allow foreign-trained dentists and dental hygienists to practice under supervision via limited registrations in hospitals and affiliated clinics, with board over

04/14/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 7838

Summary of HB 7838 (Rhode Island, 2026) – DENTISTS AND DENTAL HYGIENISTS

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill amends the regulations governing dentists and dental hygienists to create a pathway for foreign-trained professionals to obtain limited licenses (limited registrations) to practice under supervision.
  • Goal: Allow foreign-trained dentists and dental hygienists who graduate from reputable institutions to work in Rhode Island under oversight, facilitating workforce participation while meeting credentialing standards.

Key Provisions and Changes

Limited Registrations (5-31.1-22)

  • Establishes a process for limited registration as a hospital dental officer or in settings connected to hospitals and affiliated clinics.
  • Eligibility criteria:
    • Applicant must be 18 years or older and of good moral character.
    • Graduate from a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or approved by the Rhode Island board.
    • Appointed as an intern, resident, fellow, or dental officer in a state-maintained hospital or in a hospital/clinic-affiliated setting.
    • Registration allows practice in designated hospital or institution, or under supervision in the state, for the duration prescribed by the board.
  • Supervision: Practice must be under the supervision of a licensed dentist in the designated hospital/clinic setting, including affiliated programs approved by the board.
  • Annual reporting: Each hospital, institution, or clinic must annually submit a list of training programs that comply with the section.
  • Revocation: Limited registration can be revoked at any time by the board or director.
  • Rulemaking: The board and/or director may promulgate rules necessary to implement the section.

Foreign-trained Dentists (a–c)

  • Foreign-trained dentists and dental hygienists may be eligible for limited licenses under the existing rules for dentists, hygienists, and assistants (216-RICR-40-05-2).
  • Requirements include:
    • Graduation from a reputable dental college (for dentists) or dental hygiene college (for hygienists).
    • Supervision by a supervising dentist.
    • Passing an examination as determined by the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry.

Definitions of “Reputable”

  • The bill outlines criteria for what constitutes a reputable dental college or dental hygiene college, including:
    • Charter authorization to confer professional degrees (DDS/DMD or Doctor of Dental Surgery/Doctor of Dental Medicine; for hygiene, at least an associate degree).
    • Competent faculty and comprehensive curriculum with requisite clinical and laboratory work.
    • Specific minimum program lengths (e.g., dental college: at least four academic years, or three years with two years of pre-dental training; hygiene college: at least two academic years).
    • Adequate administrative policy to meet program requirements.

Regulation and Compliance

  • The board of dentistry and/or the state health director have authority to promulgate rules as necessary to implement and regulate the provisions.

Affected Parties

  • Foreign-trained dentists and dental hygienists seeking to practice in Rhode Island.
  • Hospitals, clinics, and other state- or city-operated health facilities that employ interns, residents, fellows, or dental officers.
  • Dental schools and hygiene programs seeking recognition as “reputable” under the statute.
  • Rhode Island patients receiving care from clinicians in training or under supervision in affiliated facilities.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Effective Date: The act takes effect upon passage.
  • Oversight and Implementation: Requires rulemaking by the Board and/or Director of Health to implement provisions.
  • Administrative Submission: Training programs in hospitals/clinics must be listed annually to the board.

Practical Impact

  • Expands the pool of providers who can practice in Rhode Island under limited supervision, particularly in hospital and affiliated settings.
  • Creates a standardized pathway for foreign-trained professionals to gain practical experience and certification through board-approved examinations and supervision.
  • Maintains patient protection through supervision requirements, board oversight, and revocation authority.

Note: The bill originated in the Rhode Island House (Introduced Feb 27, 2026) and was referred to House Corporations, with committee action status indicating it was held for further study as of mid-April 2026.

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

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