On this page, you will find a compilation of achievements from the 2025 Legislative Session. Directly below, we invite you to click on a link that will bring you to a full list of bills that have been brought forth in the 2026 Legislative Session. As always, we encourage you to be part of this incredible work on behalf of dentistry in Connecticut and across the nation.
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Dear CSDA Members,
We are proud to share that, following two years of dedicated advocacy, the Connecticut State Dental Association has successfully advanced legislation that benefits our profession, our patients, and our small businesses.
House Bill 5514 (HB 5514) is expected to be signed into law shortly by Governor Ned Lamont.
Below is a clear summary of what this legislation means for you and your practice.
What HB 5514 Allows (Effective October 1, 2026)
1. Cosmetic Injections
Dentists will be authorized to perform cosmetic injections within specific anatomical areas of the face, as defined in statute (see detailed parameters below).
2. Dental Assistant Radiographs Under General Supervision
Dental assistants may take radiographs under general supervision, meaning the supervising dentist does not need to be physically present, provided prior authorization has been given.
3. Expanded Continuing Education (CE) Options
Two additional topics are now included among acceptable mandatory CE options:
- Screening patients who may be victims of human trafficking
- Improving proficiency in treating patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
Cosmetic Injection Parameters (Section 33 of HB 5514)
Dentists may administer cosmetic injections only within the following facial anatomical areas:
- Lateral canthal lines (crow’s feet) – neuromodulators only
- Nasolabial folds
- Lips
- Marionette lines
- Chin
Important Clarifications:
- Dermal fillers are NOT permitted in the lateral canthal (crow’s feet) region
- Neuromodulators ARE permitted in the lateral canthal region
- All procedures must remain strictly within the anatomical areas defined in statute
Additionally, the law explicitly prohibits injections into:
- Tear troughs, infraorbital hollow, eyelids, medial canthal region, or other orbit-adjacent soft tissue for under-eye or periocular volumization
- Forehead, glabella, or eyebrows for cosmetic enhancement purposes
The statute does allow:
- Neuromodulator use in the lateral canthal region (for lateral canthal rhytids)
- Injections for management of orofacial pain, TMD, and other oromandibular conditions
- Dermal filler in the malar, zygomatic, or midface region when the primary treatment site is the cheek/midface and remains inferior to the infraorbital rim
(Full statutory language is included at the end of this message for reference.)
Training Requirement (Mandatory)
The law requires dentists to complete adequate hands-on training prior to performing cosmetic injections.
The CSDA has already developed comprehensive training programs that meet this requirement.
- Courses begin in June
- Early registration is strongly encouraged due to anticipated high demand
👉 [Click here to request registration information]
Important Next Steps
If you intend to provide these services, you must:
- Contact your malpractice insurance carrier
- Inform them of your intent to perform cosmetic injection procedures
A Note of Thanks
This milestone would not have been possible without the sustained engagement and advocacy of our members. We sincerely thank everyone who contributed to this effort. It reflects CSDA’s commitment to listening to our members and advancing meaningful, responsible change for the profession.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact:
Kathlene Gerrity
kgerrity@csda.com
Thank you for your continued support.
Section 33 (Statutory Language for Reference)
Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize a dentist to administer injections into the tear trough, infraorbital hollow, eyelids, medial canthal region or other orbit-adjacent soft tissue for the purpose of periocular volumization or under-eye hollow correction, or into the forehead, glabella or eyebrows for the purpose of improved cosmesis. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit a dentist from administering (1) a neuromodulator to the lateral canthal region, including for the treatment of lateral canthal rhytids; (2) an injection for the management of orofacial pain, temporomandibular disorders or other oromandibular conditions; or (3) dermal filler to the malar, zygomatic or midface region when the primary intended treatment site is the cheek or midface and the injection site remains inferior to the infraorbital rim.
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Veterans Dental Care Access Program Bill 5406 (was 5413):
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AN ACT ALLOWING DENTAL HYGIENISTS TO PROVIDE DENTAL HYGIENE SERVICES IN PRIVATE RESIDENCES - Raised Bill No. 5303
Letter from the CSDA: CLICK HERE
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AN ACT CONCERNING MEDICAL CREDIT CARDS - Raised Bill No. 5127
Letter from the CSDA: CLICK HERE
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AN ACT CONCERNING RETURN OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDER PAYMENTS - Raised Bill No. 341
Letter from the CSDA: CLICK HERE
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AN ACT EXPANDING TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS FOR HOME CARE CLIENTS: Raised Bill No. 5484
Letter from the CSDA: CLICK HERE
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SB499 - Letter Written by the CSDA
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HB 5561 - Letter from the CSDA
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The 2026 Legislative Session is underway. See below for previous year achievements. As we prepare for this session, please make it a point to get involved. CODPAC represents the "Tooth Party" and supports legislators, regardless of political party, who represent dentists and the issues affecting them. They make it possible for us to advocate for members like you!
Get Involved!
Our Victories:
Dental Anesthesia Statutes (House Bill 5290)
Public Act No. 24-68 revises the dental anesthesia statutes, eliminating permit requirements for minimal sedation while requiring permits for moderate sedation, deep sedation, and general anesthesia. Permits necessitate an on-site evaluation, adherence to ADA guidelines, and a $200 fee, with annual renewals based on evaluations and fee payment.
The Act mandates specific equipment, personnel, and emergency medications for facilities, as specified by the commissioner in consultation with the Anesthesia Committee of the Connecticut Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. The commissioner will establish and enforce regulations, with the authority to deny or revoke permits based on disciplinary actions, enhancing safety and compliance.
Public Health Committee Public Hearing Anesthesia Testimonies 3/1/24
Dr. William MacDonnell
Dr. John Hillgen
Dr. Michael Safian, CSDA Immediate Past President
Dr. David Barton
CONNIE (Health Information Exchange – Senate Bill 1)
Public Act No. 24-19 enhances liability protections for healthcare providers in case of HIE data breaches, provided they comply with privacy laws. It sets deadlines for hospitals and clinical labs to adopt EHR systems compatible with the HIE within one year, and other healthcare providers within two years, ensuring these systems meet strict privacy and security standards. The Act mandates the Office of Health Strategy to establish secure data exchange policies, including regular audits. The CSDA is collaborating with the CONNIE coalition to address potential cost impacts on dental practices due to these requirements.
Department of Developmental Service Bill Ensuring Access to Special Needs Patients (House Bill 5293)
The bill authorizes the Oral Health and Dental Services Unit to offer dental care to individuals with intellectual disabilities at specified dental offices within any DDS service region. These services must be tailored to meet individual needs and provided by qualified dentists or dental hygienists. The DDS commissioner is permitted to contract with licensed dentists or those with provisional licenses to fulfill these responsibilities.
2024 Session Testimonies
Medical Loss Ratio
As little as 40% of dental patient insurance premiums go to dental care. As much as 60% goes to insurance company overhead - such as administration, marketing, and company profits. That's really out of whack!
Connecticut residents deserve better.
Insurance and Real Estate Public Hearing MLR Testimonies 3/14/24
Dr. Michael Safian, CSDA Immediate Past President
Dr. Marykate Conboy
Dr. David Fried
Chad Olson, ADA Director of State Government Affairs
Joint Contract Negotiations
Imagine a world where you could talk to your local or state dentists about contract negotiations, without incurring antitrust violations. Imagine telling an insurance company that you will take a cost-of-living allowance every year rather than a 30% decrease. Imagine you could tell an insurance company that they must answer the phone and talk to you without a 3 hour on-hold time. That is what this is about.
Other 2024 Testimonies
Human Services Committee Public Hearing
CSDA Executive Director Kathlene Gerrity testified on Medicaid on March 12, 2024. View testimony.
Public Health Committee Public Hearing
Dr. David Fried testified in support of H.B. 5293: ACC DDS proposed revisions regarding various public health statutes. In agreement with the Bill as it is written, trusting the DPH, the Dental Board and DSS have fully vetted the individuals through proper credentials and protecting the public to ensure qualified care. View testimony.
