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HB 3418

DENTAL PRACTICE-DENTAL THERAPY

104th Regular Session Introduced by Lilian Jiménez

Creates a licensed dental therapist role in Illinois, defines dental therapy, requires a supervising dentist via collaborative agreement, expanding access to care.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 3418

Summary — HB 3418 (2025): Dental Practice — Dental Therapy

Author: Rep. Lilian Jiménez
Introduced: Feb 18, 2025
Status (latest): Read in Senate; referred to Criminal Justice; Rule 19(a) / re‑referred to Senate Rules Committee
Affected law: Amends the Illinois Dental Practice Act (multiple sections); adds Sections 7.7, 14.5, and 14.6

Purpose / Intent

HB 3418 creates a regulated license for dental therapists in Illinois and revises the Illinois Dental Practice Act to define dental therapy, set licensure and supervision rules, and update Departmental recordkeeping. The stated intent is to expand the dental workforce, clarify supervision models, and improve oversight of practitioners.

Key provisions

  • Establishes a new license category: "dental therapist" and defines "dental therapy" (see new Section 14.6).
  • Licensure requirements: sets standards for obtaining a dental therapy license (education, examination, and other requirements are specified in the bill text).
  • Examination and scope: requires the Department/Board to examine applicants and delineates the scope of practice for dental therapists (scope detailed in Section 14.6).
  • Collaborative management agreement: requires a written collaborative management agreement between a dental therapist and a supervising dentist; the agreement prescribes supervision level, authorized procedures, and practice settings.
  • Supervision models: codifies different supervision definitions (e.g., general supervision, probationary supervision, and "dental therapist supervision"); in some cases the agreement may allow dental therapists to treat patients without a dentist first examining the patient or being physically present during treatment (as defined by the collaborative agreement).
  • Department recordkeeping: requires the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (DFPR) to maintain and publish a list of names and addresses of licensed dentists, dental therapists, and dental hygienists, and of persons whose licenses have been suspended or revoked, plus related enforcement information.
  • Conforming and technical changes: amends numerous sections of the Illinois Dental Practice Act to integrate dental therapy and update definitions and supervision language.

Who is affected

  • Dental therapists (new licensure pathway) and their educational programs.
  • Dentists (must enter collaborative management agreements and may have supervisory responsibilities).
  • Dental hygienists and dental assistants (definitions and supervision rules are updated).
  • Employers and clinics (may employ dental therapists under new supervisory frameworks).
  • Patients and communities—particularly underserved areas—may experience increased access to basic dental care.
  • DFPR and the Board of Dentistry (additional licensing, oversight, and recordkeeping duties).

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced in the House (Feb 18, 2025). Committee hearings and substitute considered in March–April 2025; reported favorably as substituted April 22, 2025.
  • Passed the House (3rd reading) on May 8, 2025. Received by the Senate May 9, 2025; read and referred May 12, 2025.
  • Current status shows referral to Senate Criminal Justice and re‑referral under Senate Rule 19(a) to the Rules Committee. Further committee action or floor consideration in the Senate is required.

Note: This summary is based on the introduced version and provided excerpts. The full bill text (including Section 14.6, which specifies exact services allowed) should be consulted for precise licensure, education, scope, and supervisory details.

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

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