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AB 966

Dental Practice Act: foreign dental schools.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Juan Carrillo

AB 966 - Dental Practice Act: foreign dental schools OverviewBill Number: AB 966 Title: Dental Practice Act: foreign dental schoolsStatus: Re-referred to Com. on B. & P.Introduced

Re-referred to Com. on B. & P.
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Bill Summary · AB 966

AB 966 - Dental Practice Act: foreign dental schools

Overview

Bill Number: AB 966
Title: Dental Practice Act: foreign dental schools
Status: Re-referred to Com. on B. & P.
Introduced: February 20, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The purpose of AB 966 is to amend the Dental Practice Act to establish new requirements and pathways for graduates of foreign dental schools to obtain licensure and practice dentistry in California. The bill aims to address shortages of dental professionals in the state by expanding access to qualified candidates, while also ensuring appropriate standards of education and training.

Key Provisions

  • Requires the Dental Board of California to evaluate and approve foreign dental schools based on specific criteria, including curriculum, facilities, and faculty qualifications.
  • Establishes a new licensure pathway for graduates of approved foreign dental schools, including completion of a clinical examination and meeting other requirements.
  • Mandates that the Dental Board develop regulations to implement the new foreign dental school approval and licensure processes.
  • Allows the Dental Board to charge fees to cover the costs of evaluating and approving foreign dental schools.
  • Specifies that graduates of foreign dental schools approved under the new process are eligible for the same scope of practice as graduates of U.S. dental schools.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Graduates of foreign dental schools seeking to practice dentistry in California would benefit from the new licensure pathway, potentially increasing the pool of qualified dental professionals.
  • The Dental Board of California would be responsible for establishing the approval and licensure processes for foreign dental schools and their graduates.
  • Dental patients in California may have increased access to dental care services as a result of the expanded pool of licensed dentists.
  • Existing dentists licensed in California may face increased competition from graduates of approved foreign dental schools.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

AB 966 was introduced on February 20, 2025 and has been re-referred to the Committee on Business and Professions for further consideration. If passed by the committee and the full state legislature, the bill would require the Dental Board of California to develop and implement the necessary regulations and processes within a specified timeframe, likely 12-18 months. The new licensure pathway for foreign dental school graduates would then become available for eligible applicants.

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

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