An Act Allowing The Delegation Of Certain Dental Procedures To A Dental Assistant.
The potential impact of HB 6147 is significant, as it seeks to enhance the role of dental assistants in clinical settings. By allowing delegation, the bill intends to improve efficiency in dental practices, potentially reducing wait times for patients and enabling dentists to focus on more complex procedures. This change may also have implications for the training and certification processes for dental assistants, ensuring they possess adequate skills for delegated tasks.
House Bill 6147 proposes to amend the general statutes to allow dentists to delegate certain dental procedures to dental assistants. The bill outlines specific procedures that may be delegated, including taking dental x-rays, making impressions for study models, and providing fluoride varnish treatments. For a dental assistant to perform these tasks, they must successfully complete a dental radiation health and safety examination or a competency assessment, and all procedures must be conducted under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist who assumes responsibility for the actions of the dental assistant.
There are points of contention surrounding HB 6147, particularly regarding the extent of delegation and the qualifications required for dental assistants. Proponents argue that this bill will modernize dental practices and improve patient care by expanding the capabilities of dental assistants. However, opponents might express concerns about patient safety, the quality of care, and whether dental assistants are adequately trained to perform these delegated tasks, raising questions about oversight and accountability in dental care.