Sponsor Statement for SB 160

Senate Bill 160 changes the procedures for inspecting and registering dental radiological equipment. Current procedures are erratic and inutile. On-site inspections by the Department of Health and Social Services are unnecessary because the incidence of x-ray overexposure is so insignificant as to be non-existent.

Inspections and needed adjustments are routinely performed by trained dental supply company technicians who are far more qualified to perform such inspections than representatives from the Department.

SB 160 will place the registration of dental radiological equipment with the Board of Dentistry. The owner of the equipment will be responsible for providing documentation to the Board that the equipment is registered and has been inspected within the past five years. The Board will establish inspection criteria.

Under SB 160, if a dentist uses unregistered or uninspected equipment, they will be subject to a civil penalty in the form of a fine, levied by the Board, not to exceed $5000 for each offense.