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HB 4594

Health occupations: dentists; use of the title "dental specialist"; prohibit. Amends sec. 16605 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16605). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4593'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Bierlein and 7 co-sponsors

HB 4594 adds dental specialist to reserved titles, letting only licensed specialists use it; effective 90 days after enactment, linked to HB 4593 restricting misrepresentation.

placed on third reading
#healthoccupations:dentists #stateagencies(existing):licensingandregulatoryaffairs
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Bill Summary · HB 4594

Summary — HB 4594 (Michigan, 103rd Legislature)

Sponsor: Rep. Jasper R. Martus
Introduced: June 10, 2025
Committee: Health Policy
Status: Reported with substitute (H‑1) 11/05/2025; referred to second reading
Tie-bar: Bill cannot take effect unless HB 4593 is enacted (related substantive restrictions on representing oneself as a specialist)
Companion: SB 631

Main purpose

HB 4594 adds the term “dental specialist” to the list of reserved professional titles in the Michigan Public Health Code (MCL 333.16605). The bill restricts use of that title to individuals who hold the appropriate license or authorization under the dental licensing provisions of the code.

Key provisions

  • Amends MCL 333.16605 to include “dental specialist” among titles that only authorized/licensed individuals may use. Other reserved dental titles already listed include: dentist, doctor of dental surgery, orthodontist, prosthodontist, periodontist, endodontist, oral pathologist, pediatric dentist, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, dental hygienist, dental assistant, and related abbreviations (e.g., D.D.S., D.M.D., R.D.H.).
  • In the substitute (H‑1) version reported by committee, the restriction for “dental specialist” becomes effective 90 days after the amendatory act’s effective date.
  • The bill is tied to HB 4593; HB 4593 would (separately) prohibit a dentist from representing or advertising themselves as a specialist in any recognized specialty unless they have the specialty field license, and would also bar claiming specialties that are not recognized in the code. HB 4594 cannot take effect unless HB 4593 is enacted.

What this changes (substance & scope)

  • Clarifies and tightens title use: anyone calling themselves a “dental specialist” would need the corresponding specialty credential/license.
  • Does not, by itself, prohibit dentists from performing procedures associated with dental specialties. Under current law, dentists may perform such procedures even if they do not hold a specialty license; HB 4594 only restricts title usage.
  • Works in tandem with HB 4593, which targets representation/advertising as a specialist.

Who is affected

  • Dentists and other dental practitioners (particularly those who currently use or advertise the phrase “dental specialist” without holding a specialty field license).
  • Consumers/patients (greater clarity about who holds recognized specialty licensure).
  • Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) — may investigate and discipline unauthorized title use.

Fiscal impact & enforcement

  • House Fiscal Agency estimates minimal to no net fiscal impact for LARA. Some enforcement activity (investigations, disciplinary actions) could occur; potential fine revenue may offset enforcement costs to a limited extent.

Timeline / procedural notes

  • Introduced 06/10/2025; reported with substitute (H‑1) 11/05/2025 and referred to second reading.
  • Effective date per substitute: 90 days after the amendatory act’s effective date (but remains contingent on enactment of HB 4593).

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

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