Dental Hygiene and Dental Assistants Scope of Practice Amendment Act of 2023
The proposed amendments are designed to increase the accessibility and efficiency of dental care within the District. By allowing dental hygienists to perform a wider range of procedures and empowering dental assistants to support these activities under appropriate supervision, the bill responds to the growing demand for dental services and aims to reduce barriers to care. This is particularly important in underserved communities where access to dental professionals may be limited. The financial implications indicate that existing resources within the fiscal year 2023 budget are sufficient to support the changes without the need for additional funding.
B25-0347, known as the Dental Hygiene and Dental Assistants Scope of Practice Amendment Act of 2023, aims to expand the roles and responsibilities of dental hygienists and dental assistants in the District of Columbia. This legislation will allow dental hygienists to perform additional duties such as applying pit and fissure sealants, administering vaccinations under the supervision of a licensed dentist, and conducting blood glucose testing, among other functions. The bill seeks to modernize the framework of dental practice and improve access to oral healthcare services for residents.
While the bill has general support for its potential to improve access to dental care, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of supervision required for expanded responsibilities. Some stakeholders may question whether dental hygienists can effectively take on these new roles without compromising care quality or safety. Moreover, the clarity around who is required to register as a dental assistant has implications for workforce training and entry into the profession, which may be points of contention among professionals in the field. Nonetheless, the legislation aims to clarify these roles and ensure that dental practices are properly regulated.