What's Being Discussed

Meeting minutes: The Board will review and approve notes from its May 11, 2026 open and closed sessions.
New rules review group: The Board will consider forming a small working group (called a "Permitted Interaction Group") to review Hawaii's dental licensing laws under HRS Chapters 447 and 448.
Expanded roles for dental assistants: The Board will discuss trends from other states where dental assistants are allowed to perform teeth cleaning above the gumline and other expanded duties.
Major updates to dental regulations: The Board will continue reviewing proposed changes to Hawaii Administrative Rules Chapter 79, which governs dentists and dental hygienists. Key updates include:

New license categories for temporary and community service dentists and dental hygienists
Changes to continuing education requirements, including a new ethics requirement
New rules on dental record retention and patient access to records
Updates to rules on anesthesia and sedation

License applications: The Board will ratify a list of newly approved dentists and dental hygienists.

Decisions Expected

Vote on approving meeting minutes
Vote on whether to form a regulations working group
Continued deliberation on proposed rule changes to dental licensing regulations
Ratification of new dental and dental hygiene license approvals

Who Should Pay Attention

Dentists and dental hygienists licensed or seeking licensure in Hawaii
Dental assistants interested in potentially expanded duties
Dental schools and training programs affected by continuing education rule changes
Patients interested in dental record access rights