Synopsis:

H.B. 28 would allow dental hygienists to travel to hospitals, schools, nursing facilities, charitable institutions or prisons to provide dental hygiene services without the general supervision of a dentist, as the law currently requires. Individuals with disabilities are significantly less likely to have seen a dentist within the past year as compared to people without disabilities, and backers of this legislation expect its passage would increase access to these services. Some dentists and dental boards throughout the country, as cited in a National Governors Association paper, oppose hygienists providing unsupervised services to patients due to safety concerns, though the Association contends there is no clear evidence that supports such restrictions. The bill requires, however, that hygienists refer patients they see outside traditional settings to a licensed dentist on an annual basis.

Supporters:

Reps. Ruth Briggs King (R), Daniel Short (R); Sen. Gerald Hocker (R); Delaware Dental Hygienists’ Association.

Opponents:

Some D.D.S.s and state dental boards.

Links to Additional Resources: