The Vermont Board of Dental Examiners proposed a new set of administrative rules for dental professionals in the state.
Here are seven things to know:
1. The rules update standards for dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants.
2. The standards define the scope of practice for dental therapists, which is a new type of license since the last set of rules, and for public-health dental hygienists.
3. Practice requirements for the use of anesthesia are also updated.
4. The rules integrate fast-track licensure and standard processes for international dentists to obtain licenses in the U.S.
5. The proposal establishes standards for dental hygienists using new non-invasive techniques.
6. There is not expected to be any direct additional costs or savings from the rules, but there is the potential for indirect savings for patients, health systems and dental practices.
7. The rules were posted Oct. 23, and there are four hearings set in December.