Permits reimbursement for dental hygienists from "other insurance" or a third party payor such as Medicare.
The bill specifically impacts the ability of public health dental hygienists to provide care in various settings, such as schools and nursing facilities, which could lead to improved access for populations that typically struggle to receive dental services. By permitting reimbursement from 'other insurance' or third-party payers like Medicare, the bill aims to provide financial support for dental hygienists working in these public health contexts. This change could incentivize more hygienists to operate in public health roles, potentially addressing gaps in dental care delivery.
House Bill H7818, introduced by Representative Justine A. Caldwell, seeks to enhance the roles and reimbursement capabilities of public health dental hygienists in Rhode Island. The bill amends current laws to allow registered dental hygienists to perform dental-hygiene procedures in public health settings without direct supervision from a dentist. This is intended to streamline the provision of dental care in community health contexts and extend access to essential dental services, especially in underserved areas.
While there may be widespread support for improving access to dental hygiene services, some points of contention may arise regarding the level of training and oversight required for dental hygienists to operate independently in public health settings. Critics might argue that without sufficient supervision, there could be risks to patient health and safety. Additionally, the bill's implications for the traditional roles of dentists in these contexts could spark debates about the scope of practice and the collaborative agreements necessary between hygienists and dentists.