Bill Caption

Relating to the licensing and regulation of certain military dentists and dental hygienists who provide voluntary charity dental or dental hygiene care.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the state is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 2007 would amend the Occupations Code to allow the Board of Dental Examiners to create and issue a military limited volunteer license to practice dentistry or dental hygiene to an individual who is licensed or was licensed and in good standing in another state, is or was authorized to treat personnel enlisted in a branch of the U.S. armed forces or veterans, and meets any other requirement prescribed by the board.

Vote Recommendation Notes

To the extent that military dentists and dental hygienists who are otherwise qualified are unable to provide volunteer services simply because they do not have a license issued by the state of Texas, this bill would decrease an occupational license burden. This supports both limited government and individual liberty principles. As long as we have occupational licenses we should work to expand reciprocity so that people who are qualified may perform services in Texas regardless of where their license was issued. We support HB 2007.