HB 154 Which to Supports Oral Healthcare Heads to the Governor’s Desk!

HB 154 passes with a vote of 40-1!

SB 12, pre-filed for the 2017 Legislative Session by Senator Renee Unterman (R-45), adds approved safety net settings, including charity care clinics, federally qualified health centers, long-term care facilities (nursing homes), school-based health centers, and private practice settings to the list of places where dental hygienists can perform their duties with only “general supervision” from a dentist.  This means that dental hygienists can clean teeth and apply flouride and sealants without the dentist present in the office.  “General supervision” is the law in 47 states.

This bill is important because approximately 1 in 4 children in Georgia do not receive preventive dental care.  Preventive dental care in safety net settings is key to keeping children’s mouths in good shape and keeping them in school.  Children and seniors in high need areas deserve improved access to preventive dental care as well as dental referral opportunities when they need more than cleanings.

Read full article on GeorgiaWatch.org website HERE.