Pederson Applauds New Law Strengthening Dental Workforce, Expanding Care Options

OKLAHOMA CITY— Senator Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, applauded the signing of House Bill 3934, a new law intended to encourage dental professionals to choose Oklahoma and strengthen the dental workforce.

Pederson served as the Senate author of the measure, which expands the list of accrediting programs to include associations such as the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada, streamlining processes for qualified dentists and dental hygienists to practice in Oklahoma.

“Rural Oklahoma communities have too few dental providers, and some families have to travel long distances just to receive basic care,” Pederson said. “House Bill 3934 helps address this shortage by removing unnecessary barriers and making it easier for qualified dentists and hygienists to come to Oklahoma and serve where the need is greatest.”

House Bill 3934 also provides that a dental assistant may work under the general supervision of a dentist to assist a dental hygienist with procedures that the hygienist is allowed to perform under general supervision. The measure adds the therapeutic use of lasers to a list of advanced procedures that dental hygienists can perform under general supervision.

Additionally, the bill by Pederson and Rep. David Smith, R-Arpelar, updates the definition of treatment facility to include a church with a non-profit clinic.

“This bill gives us a practical approach to making sure rural residents have access to quality dental care when and where they need it. I'm grateful that Senator Pederson was able to get this bill heard and passed in the Senate and that the governor signed it into law. This will ensure people will have quicker relief,” Smith said.

HB 3934 also expands care options by allowing a patient of record to be established by teledentistry for emergency or hygiene treatment if the patient is physically located at the office or facility and the dentist is not readily available.

“By expanding opportunities for qualified dental professionals and supporting innovative care options, we are helping ensure more Oklahomans can receive timely and effective treatment close to home,” Pederson added.

HB 3934 took effect immediately upon being signed into law by the governor.

###

For more information, contact: communications@oksenate.gov.