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SB 2244

Dentists and Dentistry - As introduced, changes from at least five years to at least six years, the period of residency and practice in this state that each of the two dental hygienist members appointed to the board of dentistry on or after July 1, 2026, must have prior to such appointment. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 56; Title 63, Chapter 5; Title 68 and Title 71.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tennessee increases dental hygienist board appointment residency requirement from 5 to 6 years, effective July 2026, narrowing eligible appointee pool with no stated rationale.

Placed on Senate Health and Welfare Committee calendar for 3/17/2026
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Bill Summary · SB 2244

Legislative bill overview

SB 2244 increases the residency and practice requirement for dental hygienist board members from 5 years to 6 years before they can be appointed to Tennessee's Board of Dentistry, effective for appointments made on or after July 1, 2026. The bill makes conforming amendments across multiple sections of Tennessee code related to dentistry and dental hygiene regulations.

Why is this important

Board composition directly affects regulatory decisions that impact the entire dental profession and consumer access to dental services in Tennessee. This requirement affects who can serve on the regulatory body overseeing dental hygienists' licensing, standards, and disciplinary actions.

Potential points of contention

  • Limited experienced pool: Increasing the requirement from 5 to 6 years reduces the eligible candidate pool, potentially limiting diversity of perspectives on the board or delaying appointments if qualified candidates are scarce
  • Unclear rationale: The bill provides no stated justification for why an additional year of experience is necessary or what problems the current 5-year requirement creates
  • Professional gatekeeping concerns: Critics may view this as incumbent protection or as making it harder for newer professionals to participate in self-regulation, potentially stifling fresh perspectives on modernizing dental practice

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

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