Texas Senate Bill SB510

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the regulation of the practice of dental hygiene.

Impact

One of the most significant impacts of SB510 is the potential change in how dental procedures are conducted in Texas. By allowing dental hygienists who have completed approved training to administer local anesthetics, the bill aims to alleviate some of the workload from dentists. Supporters argue this can improve patient access to dental care, especially in underserved areas where the availability of dental professionals is limited. However, the bill also raises questions about the adequacy of training and the safety of patients receiving anesthesia from hygienists.

Summary

SB510 focuses on the regulation of dental hygiene practice in Texas, specifically addressing the delegation of certain tasks related to anesthetic administration and the broad definition of dental hygiene practices. The bill seeks to establish clearer guidelines on what dental hygienists are permitted to do under the supervision of dentists and enhances their ability to administer local anesthetics provided they meet specific training and certification requirements. This change could potentially reshape the dynamics of dental care provision, enabling hygienists to perform certain tasks that were traditionally restricted to dentists.

Contention

While proponents see SB510 as a step forward for dental care accessibility, there are concerns among various stakeholders regarding the bill's implications for patient safety and the scope of practice for dental hygienists. Opponents argue that allowing hygienists to administer anesthesia without close supervision could lead to complications or inadequate patient care. The Texas Dental Board will also play a critical role in determining the specific training and certification processes, which may be a point of ongoing debate among dental professionals and regulatory bodies.