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Idaho State Board of Dentistry
June 2026 Newsletter
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Phone: (208) 334-3233
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Email: HP-Licensing@dopl.idaho.gov
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Division News
Fee Changes
In 2025, the Idaho Legislature approved temporary rules granting the Board authority to reduce licensure fees to comply with I.C. § 67-2606. To prevent this from expiring at the conclusion of the 2026 session, the Legislature extended and made permanent the “not more than" language. For example, prior to this change, a dental hygienist license fee was set at $175 and could only be modified through Board rulemaking and legislative approval. With the “not more than” language, the Board may adjust the fee to any amount between $0 and $175 through a vote at a public Board meeting.
Effective January 1, 2026, DOPL's Division Administrator is temporarily waiving renewal fees for Board of Dentistry licensees (excluding sedation permits). Please note that any individual who fails to renew on time will still be subject to the full cost of license renewal in addition to the late renewal fee. New applicants will continue to pay application and initial licensure fees and are not eligible for the fee holiday.
DOPL will continue to monitor the Board’s financial position and will notify licensees in advance of any future fee changes. The current fee chart can be found on the Board of Dentistry website.
Two-Year Renewal Transition
DOPL is in the process of transitioning the Boards’ renewal dates for all license types to a 2-year schedule based on the licensee’s birthday. This change helps maintain consistent cash flow throughout the year and improves operational efficiency. Specific details about the renewal transition for the Board of Dentistry will be shared with licensees via email later this year. Please note that, despite the fee holiday, licensees will still be required to renew their licenses prior to expiration using DOPL’s online services website.
Injectables Committee
The Idaho Interprofessional Advisory Committee on Lifestyle Injectables (IIACLI) has worked over the past year to understand the growing use of lifestyle injectable treatments. Its goal is to provide guidance on practice within the existing regulatory framework, with an emphasis on public health and safety. Dr. Eric Nelson, MD, DDS represented the Board of Dentistry on this committee. Members reviewed current treatments, healthcare trends, examined best practices, and heard from local business owners and healthcare providers. The following will become publicly available in the near future on the Division’s website:
- Guidance document for healthcare providers offering lifestyle injectable medications
- Educational flyer for patients with tips for choosing a qualified provider and verifying medication safety
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Legislative Update
House Bill 935 – Board of Denturitry Consolidation
Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 935, which consolidates the Idaho Board of Denturitry into the Idaho Board of Dentistry, into law on April 2, 2026. Under this board structure, denturitry remains a distinct license type and maintains its existing scope of practice and licensure requirements. The bill also expands the Board of Dentistry from eight to nine members, adding a position for a licensed denturist or, if one is not available, another individual who is experienced in the making, fitting, constructing, altering, reproducing, or repairing of prosthetics. This new legislation takes effect on July 1, 2026.
Click here to read the full bill.
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House Bill 777 – Uniform Controlled Substances
This legislation, effective July 1, 2026, updates Idaho’s Uniform Controlled Substances Act to align with recent federal scheduling actions, including the addition of thirteen (13) substances. Each scheduling decision was independently reviewed by the Idaho Board of Pharmacy and made according to the risk associated with the drug’s prescriptive use. All controlled substance prescribers, including dentists, are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these changes.
| Schedule |
Category |
Count |
| I |
Fentanyl Derivatives (Opiates) |
9 |
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Benzodiazepines |
1 |
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Synthetic Stimulants (Bath Salts) |
1 |
| II |
Opiate Derivatives |
2 |
Click here to read the full bill.
House Bill 703 - Universal Division Discipline Procedure
This bill establishes a standardized disciplinary framework for all DOPL boards and committees. It consolidates duplicative or inconsistent provisions spread across numerous practice acts into a singular procedural section with uniform standards for handling complaints, conducting investigations, and imposing sanctions. Profession-specific language (e.g., the sections of code describing the unlawful practice of dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental therapy) will remain in the practice act governing dentistry. This bill was signed into law on March 27, 2026 and will become effective on July 1, 2026.
Click here to read the full bill.
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Other News
Rural Health Transformation Program
The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), established as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, provides states with funding to improve healthcare access, quality, and outcomes in rural communities. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) awarded funding to all 50 states, with Idaho receiving nearly $186 million for fiscal year 2026.[1]
Idaho’s application highlighted that 95% of the state’s land area is designated as a Dental Health Professional Shortage Area, which impacts 65.8% of Idaho residents.[2] To address these gaps, the state identified several priorities, including expanding telehealth services, developing preceptorship programs, utilizing existing facilities for evidence-based care, and investing in clinical equipment.
For more information and program updates, visit the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare website.
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Health Professionals Recovery Program (HPRP)
You entered your profession to care for others. But who’s caring for you?
Addiction and mental health struggles don’t discriminate. They can affect anyone—even the most dedicated and high-achieving professionals. Research shows that punishment doesn’t stop addiction. But individualized, caring support does. That’s exactly what this program offers: a confidential path forward that protects your well-being, your career, and your future.
Ask yourself:
- Are you feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or like you're not yourself?
- Is someone you care about in the medical field showing signs of struggle?
- Do you want to regain a sense of peace, purpose, and control?
You don’t have to hit rock bottom to get help. You just have to take the first step. Many have walked this path before you and found a better, healthier life on the other side.
If you’re unsure about reaching out, consider attending a virtual or in-person meeting through International Doctors in Alcoholics Anonymous (IDAA)—a non-judgmental, confidential community of peers who understand exactly what you’re going through.
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2026 Board Meetings
January 30
July 24
October 9
View the meeting calendar for all DOPL boards and committees here. Agendas are available approximately two weeks prior to the meeting date.
All meetings are held at:
11341 W Chinden Blvd
Building 4
Boise, ID 83714
The public may attend either in person or virtually via the link provided on the agenda.
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Board Members
Erin Leavitt, DDS (Chair)
Tyler Elison, DDS
Jason King, DDS
Eric Nelson, DDS, MD
Jennifer Andrews-Kelly, RDH
Kyle Christensen, DDS
Kelin Fuller, RDH
Janet Arrasmith, Consumer Member
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