Texas Senate Bill SB787

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the improvement of oral health care access through the regulation of dental hygiene practitioners, dental hygienists, and dentists in this state.

Impact

The bill is expected to significantly change the landscape of dental care in Texas by streamlining the process of obtaining services. By allowing dental hygiene practitioners to operate under collaborative practice agreements, the bill will not only improve oral health service availability but also enhance interprofessional collaboration in healthcare settings. This change could lead to broader access to preventive dental services and enhance health outcomes, especially in practices that serve low-income populations.

Summary

SB787 aims to enhance access to oral health care in Texas through the regulation and licensing of dental hygiene practitioners alongside traditional dental hygienists and dentists. The bill introduces a distinction between dental hygienists and dental hygiene practitioners, the latter being allowed to perform specific dental hygiene therapies under certain conditions and requires them to be licensed and to work under the supervision or collaborative agreements with dentists. This distinction aims to expand the pool of qualified professionals accessible to patients, particularly in underserved areas.

Contention

While the primary goal of SB787 is to improve access to oral healthcare, debates have emerged over the implications of allowing dental hygiene practitioners to operate with less direct supervision from dentists. Critics argue that this might lead to a dilution of care standards, as the traditional oversight by dentists could be lessened in some situations. Supporters counter that the measures outlined in the bill create appropriate safeguards through mandated protocols within collaborative agreements to ensure quality care while increasing the efficiency of service delivery.