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The Takeaway

Illinois’ updated Dental Practice Act allows newly graduated dentists and dental hygienists to begin practicing more quickly, adds new dental specialties, and increases the flexibility of dental care in correctional facilities.

Introduction

When Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1463 (SB1463) on August 1, 2025, multiple noteworthy amendments to the Dental Practice Act took effect. These changes modernize the dental workforce in Illinois, expand recognized specialties, and improve care for underserved patients.

Graduates Can Practice While Waiting for Licensure

The updated Dental Practice Act creates new opportunities for recent graduates of dental schools and dental hygiene programs. Graduates of U.S. or Canadian accredited programs who have passed their board exams and applied for an Illinois license may begin working under supervision. In these cases, recent graduates can practice as “license pending dentists” or “license pending dental hygienists” for up to six months or until the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation either grants the license, denies the license request, or requests that the applicant cease working until it makes a decision. This provision helps fill open positions and allows practices to employ new graduates more quickly. Supervising dentists must delegate tasks to and oversee these graduates’ work. They must also terminate the graduates’ employment if licensure is denied or not granted in time.

New Specialists Recognized

The amended Act defines four additional ADA-recognized branches of dentistry: oral and maxillofacial pathology, dental public health, oral medicine, and orofacial pain. Recognizing these specialties under Illinois law may boost credentialing, marketing, and access to these services.

Increased Flexibility of Care in Correctional Facilities

Additional changes apply to practitioners in correctional facilities. Previously, a hygienist could provide follow-up care within 45 days after a dentist’s treatment order. The amendment increases this period to 180 days, giving hygienists more flexibility to provide care and potentially eliminating logistical delays in treatment.

Conclusion

This updated Act reflects Illinois’ effort to adapt dental regulations to modern needs. Whether hiring new grads, practicing in a niche specialty, or providing care in correctional facilities, dental professionals should integrate these updates into their practices.

• Develop clear protocols for ‘license-pending’ dentists and dental hygienists consistent with the Act’s provisions.
• Update credentials, CVs, and bios to reflect recognition of the newly added specialties.

Dental malpractice attorneys should review the updated Act closely to assess new legal considerations.