Connecticut House Bill HB05298

Connecticut 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/18
• Refer: 2/28/18

Caption

An Act Allowing Dental Assistants To Provide Fluoride Varnish Treatments.

Impact

By amending the existing statutes regarding the scope of practice for dental assistants, HB 05298 empowers dental professionals to utilize their staff more effectively. This change is expected to enhance the provision of dental care, particularly in settings where access to dentists may be limited. Allowing dental assistants to administer fluoride varnish treatments could lead to improved oral health outcomes, as fluoride is vital in the prevention of dental caries. It also provides dentists with a more flexible workforce to address the needs of their patients.

Summary

House Bill 05298 aims to expand the scope of practice for dental assistants by allowing them to provide fluoride varnish treatments. This legislative change facilitates the delegation of specific dental procedures by licensed dentists to their assistants. The bill stipulates that fluoride varnish treatments can be administered by dental assistants under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist, ensuring that the quality and safety of dental care remain paramount. The use of fluoride varnish is recognized as an effective preventive measure in dental health management, particularly for children and at-risk populations.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support among dental practitioners who see it as a means to enhance patient care and streamline services within dental practices, there are potential points of contention regarding the training and qualifications of dental assistants. Critics may express concerns about the adequacy of training that dental assistants receive to ensure that they can perform these interventions safely and effectively. Additionally, the delegation of more responsibilities to dental assistants could lead to discussions about the regulatory standards needed to maintain high-quality care in dentistry.