Dentistry: dental assistants.

Assembly Member Alanis's dental practice legislation modernizes California's infection control training requirements and expands practice authorities for dental assistants while establishing new oversight mechanisms for educational programs. The bill requires dental assistants to complete board-approved infection control training within 60 days of employment, rather than before performing any procedures, and mandates annual bloodborne pathogen training. Employers gain flexibility in meeting these requirements through traditional classroom instruction or distance learning options combining didactic and hands-on components.

The legislation authorizes registered dental assistants in extended functions to perform additional procedures, including polishing existing amalgam restorations, under direct supervision of a licensed dentist. It also updates course approval processes, requiring radiation safety programs to provide 32 hours of instruction split between didactic learning, laboratory practice, and supervised clinical experience. Programs must meet detailed facility and equipment standards while maintaining specific instructor-to-student ratios.

For infection control courses, providers must now submit comprehensive applications detailing curriculum, faculty qualifications, and evaluation methods. The board may grant provisional one-year approvals for programs substantially meeting requirements. All approved courses undergo mandatory reevaluation every seven years, with the board retaining authority to conduct unscheduled inspections and withdraw approval for non-compliance.

The measure establishes fee limits for various licensing and educational program reviews, with all revenue directed to the State Dentistry Fund. Course providers must maintain detailed student records, notify the board of significant program changes, and ensure technological support for distance learning components. These provisions take effect immediately upon enactment to address training access challenges, particularly in rural areas.