The Following Illinois Dental Bills are Active and Will Become Law if They Pass by the May 31, 2026 Deadline 

HB4464: INS-DENTAL COVERAGE REIMBURSEMENT
Engrossed Version that Passed to the Senate:  https://ilga.gov/documents/legislation/104/HB/PDF/10400HB4464eng.pdf 

Provides that a dental care provider's express acceptance may be given by an electronic or digital signature if the form of the signature is recognized as a valid signature under applicable law. Replaces provisions concerning requests for a change in the available payment methodology and provisions prohibiting an insurer or managed care plan from using a dental care provider's preferred method of payment as a factor when deciding whether to provide credentials to a dentist with cross-references to existing health care provider reimbursement requirements. Effective January 1, 2027.

HB4836: IDFPR-CONTINUING EDUCATION
Engrossed Version that Passed to the Senate:

https://ilga.gov/documents/legislation/104/HB/PDF/10400HB4826eng.pdf

Amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that a licensee shall not receive continuing education credit toward the renewal of a professional license for any continuing education course, program, seminar, instruction, webinar, or other educational activity that promotes, instructs, or provides guidance on the performance of prohibited services, treatments, practices, or procedures. Provides that a determination of whether continuing education credit is permitted under the amendatory Act shall occur only in the course of a continuing education audit or license renewal audit conducted by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Provides that approval by the Department of a continuing education provider or continuing education course does not supersede the provisions of the amendatory Act. Provides that nothing in the amendatory Act shall be construed to require the Department to proactively review, pre-approve, evaluate, monitor, or otherwise assess continuing education content restrictions under the amendatory Act outside of an audit process. Effective January 1, 2027.

House Floor Amendment No. 2

Removes provisions limiting the determination of whether continuing education credit is permitted to the course of a continuing education audit or license renewal audit conducted by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Effective January 1, 2027.

SB2846: DENTAL LICENSURE EXAMINATIONS
Engrossed Version that Passed to the House:

https://ilga.gov/documents/legislation/104/SB/PDF/10400SB2846eng.pdf

Amends the Illinois Dental Practice Act. In provisions concerning the qualifications of applicants for dental licenses and dental hygienist licenses, provides that each applicant shall present satisfactory evidence that the applicant has passed the integrated National Board Dental Examination administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations and has successfully completed an examination conducted by the Central Regional Dental Testing Service, Inc. (CRDTS) or the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX). Provides that an applicant who has passed the integrated National Board Dental Examination or the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, respectively, and who has, prior to January 1, 2026, successfully completed an examination conducted by the States Resources for Testing and Assessments, Inc. (SRTA) (formerly, Southern Regional Testing Agency, Inc.), the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB), the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA), or the North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners (NERB) shall be eligible to apply for licensure. In provisions concerning examinations for dental licensure, provides that both theoretical and psychomotor (rather than practical) examinations shall be of a character to give a fair test of the qualifications of the applicant to practice dentistry. In provisions concerning expanded function dental assistants, provides that a dental assistant may perform certain services if the dental assistant has completed the training requirements for the service or services. Makes other changes. Effective July 1, 2026.

SB2949: MISSING PERSONS-DENTAL RECORDS
Engrossed Version that Passed to the House:  https://ilga.gov/documents/legislation/104/SB/PDF/10400SB2949eng.pdf

Amends the Missing Persons Identification Act. Provides that, if a missing person remains missing for 30 days after the date of the police report (rather than 60 days after the date of the police report and missing for 60 days after the date of the police report in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)), then the missing person's dental record shall be added to the missing person entry in the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS). Provides that, if a missing person remains missing for 60 days after the date of the police report, then the missing person's dental record shall be entered in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs).

SB3148: FLAVORED TOBACCO-BAN
Introduced Bill:   https://ilga.gov/documents/legislation/104/SB/PDF/10400SB3148.pdf

Creates the Flavored Tobacco Ban Act. Provides that a distributor, secondary distributor, retailer, or any of the retailer's agents or employees may not sell, offer for sale, or possess with the intent to sell or offer for sale a flavored tobacco product, flavored related tobacco product, flavored alternative nicotine product, or flavored solution or substance intended for use with electronic cigarettes. Provides that a distributor may temporarily possess or store in the State, flavored tobacco products, related tobacco products, flavored alternative nicotine products, or flavored solutions or substances intended for use with electronic cigarettes, acquired by the distributor outside this State that, after being brought into this State and possessed or stored here temporarily, are shipped by the distributor outside the State. Provides that there is a rebuttable presumption that a tobacco product, related tobacco product, alternative nicotine product, or solution or substance intended for use with electronic cigarettes is a flavored tobacco product, flavored related tobacco product, flavored alternative nicotine product, or flavored solution or substance intended for use with electronic cigarettes if the tobacco product, related tobacco product, alternative nicotine product, or solution or substance intended for use with electronic cigarettes has or produces a characterizing flavor or, if a manufacturer or any of a manufacturer's agents or employees, in the course of their agency or employment, has made a statement or claim directed to consumers or to the public that the tobacco product, alternative nicotine product, or solution or substance intended for use with electronic cigarettes has or produces a characterizing flavor, including, but not limited to, text, color, or images on the product's labeling or packaging that are used to explicitly or implicitly communicate or suggest that the tobacco product, related tobacco product, alternative nicotine product, or solution or substance intended for use with electronic cigarettes has a characterizing flavor. Provides for the suspension of distributors licenses for violation of the Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to enforce the Act. Grants the Department rulemaking powers. Amends various other Acts to make conforming changes. Effective June 1, 2026.

SB3168: MEDICAID-DENTAL COMPREHENSIVE
Introduced Bill:   https://ilga.gov/documents/legislation/104/SB/PDF/10400SB3168.pdf

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that on and after January 1, 2027, the rates paid for children's dental comprehensive oral exams, periodic oral exams, problem focused exams, behavior management codes, sealants, resin-based composites-posterior teeth, and extraction and surgical extraction codes shall be increased by 33% above the rates in effect on December 31, 2025. Effective January 1, 2027.

SB3211: TELEDENTISTRY EXAMINATIONS
Amendment 1 - Passed out of Committee and Will be Voted on in the Senate: 

https://ilga.gov/documents/legislation/104/SB/PDF/10400SB3211sam001.pdf

Amends the Illinois Dental Practice Act. In provisions concerning teledentistry, provides that an initial examination for new patients, excluding patients seeking orthodontic treatment, may be conducted through teledentistry if the authorizing dentist establishes a bona fide dentist-patient relationship by reviewing the patient's medical and dental history and verifying both the patient's identity and physical location to ensure that dental care is being administered within the State. Provides that an initial examination for orthodontia treatment shall be performed in person only. Requires an in-person clinical examination to be performed immediately before providing or authorizing services or treatments to patients that are not reversible. Provides that, for ongoing dentist-patient relationships, dentists shall strongly encourage patients to be seen in person at least annually. Makes other changes.

This update was prepared by IDHA's Legislative Chair Laura Baus

Dear Colleagues,

I hope this message finds you well.

We recognize the recent concerns raised regarding the resolutions passed by the American Dental Association (ADA), as highlighted by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), our esteemed national organization. These developments hold significant implications for our profession and the patients we serve if enacted into law.

In her follow-up communication, ADHA President Erin Haley-Hitz shared vital recommendations for dental hygienists nationwide. As we navigate these challenges together, I encourage you to consider the following actions:

1. Join or Renew Your Membership with ADHA
If you are not currently an ADHA member, now is the time to join or renew. Membership amplifies our collective voice, enabling us to advocate more effectively for our profession and the oral health of our communities.

2. Hold Meaningful and Respectful Conversations with your Employer
Initiate a conversation with your employer to share your concerns regarding the resolutions. Discuss the potential impact on your practice and patients and explore proactive steps to address these issues together.

3. Seek Additional Information
If you require further details or guidance, do not hesitate to reach out to ADHA. They are an invaluable resource in understanding and navigating the complexities of these developments.

As dental hygienists, our shared commitment to patient care and professional integrity remains steadfast. Let us use this opportunity to unite, advocate, and strengthen the future of dental hygiene.

Thank you for your dedication to our profession and for taking these important steps forward.

Sincerely,
Tomika Johnson-Flowers, MPH, BSDH, PHDH
President, Illinois Dental Hygienists’ Association 2024-2025

There was some great conversation regarding preventive care in Illinois. Your patients are so lucky to have you taking care of them! Here is the legislative information regarding how a bill becomes a law. We are currently working on the recording and plan on downloading it shortly.

Please watch for the registration information for our next event on October 9, 2024 presented by ILHy-PAC and the Illinois Department of Labor. 

Join The Illinois Department of Public Health for Oral Health Regional Meetings to Inform Development of Illinois' 2026-2030 State Oral Health Plan.

REGISTER FOR A MEETING NEAR YOU

Applications are Due Sunday, September 15 by Midnight

What is the Scholar Society/The Mary Denowh Scholarship?

The Illinois Dental Hygienists' Association Scholar Society helps ensure scholarship funding for dental hygiene students in Illinois.  ** The Illinois Dental Hygienists' Association Scholar Society name was changed by Board of Trustees vote at the 2020 General Assembly in memoriam of IDHA Past President Mary Denowh.

Dental Hygiene Students can apply for the Mary Denowh Scholarship using the application below:

Scholarship Application

On Friday, May 3rd, 2024 Parkland College and the Dental Hygiene Clinic celebrated 50 years of excellence in training today’s dental caregivers! Festivities included honoring past accomplishments, graduate successes, and service to our district communities. 

Congratulations!

License Renewal for Illinois Dental Hygienists is scheduled for September 30, 2024.  Make sure that you are getting your 36 hours of Continuing Education completed before the end of September.  Mandatory CEs include:

• Mandated Reporter (every 3 years) 
  
• Implicit Bias
  
• CPR
  
• Sexual Harassment 
  

 Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 7:00 PM, there will be an information session regarding the Licensure Compact for dentists and dental hygienists. Legislators are also invited to attend this informative session led by Matt Shafer from the Council of State Governments. He will be reviewing the Compact, giving updates, and answering questions.  Seven states needed to make the compact a reality. Passed in Washington State, Iowa, and Tennessee.

Update on the Licensure Compact January 16, 2024!

Both the Assembly and Senate passed the DDH Compact legislation in Wisconsin today. This legislation now goes to the Governor for his signature.

A hearing was held in Indiana regarding their DDH Compact legislation, and the bill was immediately passed out of committee. No opposition was recorded.

Both Nebraska and Kansas will have hearings on their DDH Compact legislation next week.

Are you unsure about if dental hygienists in IL are allowed by law to see a new patient prior to the dentist exam, and what type of exam is considered the exam? Please read this guidance provided by the IDHA that helps to elaborate this.

On January 29, 2021, The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation invoked their emergency powers to modify the professional license and certification statutes, along with regulations for Illinois licensed dentists to administer COVID-19 vaccines. Unfortunately, this PROCLAMATION did not include dental hygienists. 

In response, IDHA sent out a PRESS RELEASE to share our disappointment that dental hygienists were not included in this proclamation.  It was sent to various news outlets in Illinois.