At its Friday, October 10, 2025, public meeting, the North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners discussed input from stakeholders that was received over the last several months on ideas for proposed changes to the rules related to the practice of dentistry. The Board expressed appreciation for the thorough attention many of you gave to these preliminary ideas and the thoughtful comments that were submitted. As always, the Board worked to balance a recognition that dentists should be free to operate effectively without undue regulation, and that hygienists, assistants, and dental staff should be allowed to perform duties they’re qualified to carry out under appropriate supervision. Following its discussion the Board passed a motion to formally seek modifications to the rules. In doing so, it will follow the procedures set forth in N.D. Century Code Ch. 28-32.
ND Administrative Rule 20-01-01 (General Administration)
ND Administrative Rule 20-01-02 (Definitions)
ND Administrative Rule 20-02 (Dentists)
ND Administrative Rule 20-03 (Assistants)
ND Administrative Rule 20-04 (Hygienists)
ND Administrative Rule 20-05 (Fees)
ND Administrative Rule 20-06 (Professional Health Program)
Full Notice of Proposed Changes
The above links include the proposed rules that have been filed with Legislative Council and the Full Notice that will be published in newspapers throughout October.
We ask that you review the proposed rules and provide any written feedback as soon as convenient—but in all cases by the November 28th deadline shown in the Full Notice. You may send written comments by email to David Schaibley, Executive Director or the Board office, or by mailing comments to the Board's mailing address provided on the Full Notice.
You may also submit comments by attending the public hearing scheduled for November 18, 2025. Please note that the purpose of that public hearing is solely for the submission and receipt of comments on the proposed rules—no other Board business will be added to the agenda or conducted at that hearing. Following that public hearing the Board anticipates proceeding on a timeline that would allow the resulting proposed changes to be presented to the North Dakota Legislative Assembly’s Administrative Rules Committee’s March 2026 meeting.
In closing, the Board again expresses its appreciation for your dedication to the dental practice—not only to those of you who daily provide safe and effective care to patients, but to all those invested in your work and the practice of dentistry. We also appreciate everyone’s professionalism in sharing input during this rulemaking process. We look forward to continuing, positive interactions where we find agreement and in respectful dialogue where we differ.
Sincerely,
David Schaibley
Executive Director - North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners
David@nddentalboard.org
PO Box 7246
Bismarck, ND 58507
Administrative rules implement, interpret, or describe procedures or practice requirements of the agency or board. Chapter 20 of the North Dakota Administrative Code contains rules promulgated by the North Dakota Board of Dentistry. Rules are adopted by state agencies and state boards who have specific rulemaking authority from the State Legislature.
Before a rule is published several procedures are required by law. The public must be notified of the Board's intent and is provided opportunity to comment. The rules must be reviewed by the Attorney General’s Office and the Legislative Council. The Administrative Rules Committee's charge under NDCC Ch. 54-35-02.6 is to review new rules adopted by an agency or entity such as the North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners and issue an opinion. If the Administrative Rules committee objects to all or any portion of a rule, the burden of persuasion is upon the Board for any further judicial review.
