House Bill 1254 (HB 1254), which was signed into law and took effect on July 1, 2026 , makes several important updates to Indiana dental licensing laws. The most significant change is that it creates a pathway for qualified foreign-trained dentists to become licensed dental hygienists in Indiana without first completing a U.S. dental hygiene program, provided they meet rigorous licensing requirements established by the Indiana State Board of Dentistry . The law also expands options for approved nitrous oxide certification programs for dental hygienists and dental assistants. Why this is good news for Indiana dental patients and families 1. Improves access to preventive dental care Indiana, like many states, has experienced a shortage of dental hygienists. When practices cannot fully staff hygiene schedules, patients often wait longer for routine cleanings, periodontal therapy, and preventive care. By allowing qualified foreign-trained dentists to serve as hygienists, more a...
At Ladd Dental Group, we understand that the patient comes first. That is why we have ten convenient locations throughout North Central Indiana, accept dental emergency patients, are In-Network with almost all insurances, and have Friday hours available at most of our facilities! Give us a call today or stop by the office closest to you, and see what Ladd Dental Group has to offer! #PatientFirst #ConvenientDentistry #LaddDentalGroup #SmileOn