An Act Concerning The Practice Of Dental Therapy By Licensed Dental Hygienists.
The legislation is poised to amend existing statutes related to the practice of dental hygiene and enhance the role of hygienists in improving community health outcomes. By permitting trained dental hygienists to provide therapeutic services, the bill is expected to reduce barriers to dental care, particularly in areas designated as health professional shortage areas, improving overall public health and well-being. This is especially relevant in encouraging preventative care measures, which can mitigate more serious dental health issues down the line.
House Bill 07281, initiated in the January Session of 2019, seeks to regulate the practice of dental therapy by licensed dental hygienists. The bill aims to enhance access to dental care by defining the scope of practice for dental therapists, which includes a variety of preventative and therapeutic services. These services range from diagnosing oral diseases to performing simple extractions and administering local anesthetics under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Effective October 1, 2019, the bill positions dental hygienists as key providers within the contemporary healthcare framework, which is crucial for addressing public health needs especially in underserved communities.
While proponents of HB 07281 argue it will increase access to dental care and enhance the practice's scope, there are concerns raised by some dental professionals regarding the adequacy of training for dental hygienists in performing these expanded functions. Questions surrounding patient safety and the quality of care provided by dental therapists also emerge, with some stakeholders advocating for tighter regulations and clearer definitions of practice boundaries. The bill's implementation requires a collaborative agreement between dentists and dental hygienists, which may also lead to varying interpretations and applications of the law across different jurisdictions.