AzDA 2025 Accomplishments

SB1291

Credentialing Reform
Sponsor: Sen. Anguis (R)

This bill streamlines the credentialing process by reducing the approval timeline from 100 days to 60 days. The change allows dentists to be credentialed with insurance companies more quickly and begin treating patients sooner. It also ensures retroactive reimbursement from the date a complete application is submitted, enabling faster compensation for providers.

To enhance transparency and efficiency, SB1291 requires insurance carriers to:

• Acknowledge receipt of a complete application within 2 days.
• Notify applicants of any deficiencies within 7 days.

These provisions create a more predictable credentialing experience for dental practices.

HB2175

Claims & Prior Authorization Review
Sponsor: Rep. Willoughby (R)

HB2175 mandates that a human provider must review every claim before an insurer can issue a denial. It explicitly prohibits insurers from using artificial intelligence to make denial decisions without professional review—such conduct is classified as unprofessional. By prioritizing clinical judgment over automated exclusions, the bill aims to:

• Reduce arbitrary or unjustified denials.
• Improve approval rates for claims and prior authorizations. 
• Ensure patient care decisions are made by licensed healthcare professionals.

This legislation represents a meaningful step toward fairness and accountability in dental insurance practices.

SB1124

Dental Board: Oral Preventive Assistant
Sponsor: Sen. Shope (R)

Establishes the OPA role, allowing dental assistants to perform supragingival scaling on teeth unaffected by periodontal disease. This bill provides dentists another workforce option.

Highly Trained and Certified: OPAs must complete a 120-hour board-approved training course with hands-on clinical instruction, in addition to holding certifications in CPR, coronal polishing, radiography, and either national board certification or graduation from an accredited assisting program.

Strictly Limited Scope of Practice: OPAs are only allowed to perform supragingival scaling on periodontally healthy patients or those with mild, localized gingivitis—and are prohibited from treating high-risk or medically compromised individuals.

Direct, On-Site Supervision Required: OPAs must work under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist or dental hygienist at all times, ensuring real-time oversight and accountability for every procedure.

Transparent and Documented Patient Communication: Patients must be informed when they are being seen by an OPA, with clear documentation in the clinical record and visible certification displayed—promoting transparency and trust.