Revises provisions relating to oral health. (BDR 54-800)
The proposed changes in AB334 are expected to positively impact the availability of dental care professionals in Nevada. By simplifying the endorsement process, it may attract experienced dental hygienists from other states, addressing potential shortages in the workforce. The modification to the scope of practice could enhance the ability of dental hygienists to perform a broader range of restorative procedures, ultimately benefiting patients who may require more extensive dental care.
Assembly Bill 334 seeks to amend existing regulations concerning dental hygiene in the state of Nevada. The bill revises the licensure requirements for dental hygienists by removing the stipulation that applicants for a license by endorsement must have actively practiced dental hygiene in another state for the previous five years. This change is designed to streamline the licensing process for dental professionals moving to Nevada and to make it easier for qualified candidates to gain employment in the state's healthcare system. Additionally, the bill also revises the scope of practice for expanded function dental assistants and dental hygienists with special endorsements, particularly allowing them greater flexibility in using ultrasonic scaling units without limitations in their practice.
Reactions to AB334 have been mixed. Supporters argue that the bill represents a necessary modernization of dental practices, making it easier for qualified professionals to enter the field and for patients to access timely dental care. Opponents, however, have raised concerns about the potential for decreased standards in licensure and the quality of care. They argue that the previous requirement ensured that only well-experienced practitioners could be licensed in Nevada, which may be diluted by these changes.
The major points of contention surrounding AB334 involve the balance between increasing access to dental care and maintaining high standards of practice. Some legislators and dental associations worry that by lifting certain requirements, the bill could lead to a reduction in the competency of newly licensed dental hygienists, impacting patient care. Others contend that the health needs of the population and the necessity for adequately staffed dental practices should take precedence, advocating for a more flexible approach to licensure.