Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HB05541

Introduced

3/15/12

Refer

3/15/12

Caption

An Act Concerning Services Provided By Dental Professionals And Certification For Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioners.

Impact

The bill's enactment is expected to have a significant impact on state laws governing the practice of dental hygiene, as it introduces new certifications and delineates the roles that advanced dental hygiene practitioners can play within the healthcare system. By allowing advanced dental hygiene practitioners to perform certain procedures and treatments that were previously restricted, the bill aims to improve access to dental care for various populations through enhanced service availability in public health facilities and dental health shortage areas.

Summary

House Bill 5541 aims to enhance the scope of services provided by dental professionals, particularly advanced dental hygiene practitioners. The bill clarifies the definition of services that these practitioners can perform and introduces a certification for advanced dental hygiene practice. It allows these practitioners to operate under a collaborative management agreement with licensed dentists, which is intended to expand access to dental care, especially in underserved areas. The legislation seeks to facilitate the delivery of preventive and therapeutic services effectively while emphasizing the need for collaboration between advanced hygiene practitioners and dentists.

Contention

Although supporters argue that HB 5541 will increase access to dental services and reduce the burden on dentists, there are notable concerns regarding the scope of practice for advanced dental hygiene practitioners. Critics may express apprehensions about patient safety, regulatory oversight, and the potential for confusion regarding the roles of dental professionals, particularly in settings where advanced practitioners operate independently or semi-independently of dentists. Overall, the balance between expanding access and ensuring quality and safety in dental care represents a key point of contention in discussions surrounding this bill.