HB2214 - 472R - House Bill Summary

House of Representatives

HB 2214

dental hygienists; practice

Sponsor: Representative Quelland

X	Committee on Health
	Caucus and COW
	As Engrossed and As Passed the House

HB2214 allows dental hygienists the ability to prescribe and apply topical fluoride.

S/E Amendment

States that dental hygienists employed or working for a public health agency or a public or private school may apply topical fluoride.

History

A Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) is a college educated, licensed preventive oral health care professional. The dental hygienist is the member of the dental team who is primarily responsible for providing instruction and therapeutic services in the prevention of oral diseases such as cavities and gum disease.

Fluoride helps prevent cavities and can be administered in two fashions, systemic or topical. Topical fluoride is used to strengthen teeth already present in the mouth. In this method of delivery, fluoride is incorporated into the surface of teeth making them more decay-resistant. Topically applied fluoride provides local protection on the tooth surface. Topical fluorides include toothpastes, mouth rinses, and professionally applied fluoride foams, gels and varnishes.

S/E Provisions

· Allows dental hygienists the ability to screen patients before an examination by a dentist and the ability to apply topical fluoride without entering into a practice relationship provided that they:

Are employed or working under contract or as a volunteer for a public health agency or a public/private school.

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Forty-seventh Legislature