A recently proposed legislation allowing qualified dental hygienists to administer preventative and some restorative services to patients has sparked controversy in the Massachusetts dental community, according to Boston Business Journal.
Here are seven notes:
1. The legislation proposes adding another level of dental practitioners, which would be one step up in qualifications from a dental hygienist.
2. Several dentists oppose the legislation, claiming it will not increase patient access to dental care. Dentists claim there is sufficient access to dentists and dentists can work with communities to overcome barriers such as transportation and language.
3. The proposal is not a new concept in the national dental community. Alaska has had this type of dental provider since 2003 as part of the Indian Health Services.
4. Additionally, Minnesota passed legislation allowing this type of dental practitioner in 2009, followed by Maine in 2014.
5. Massachusetts is not facing a shortage in dentists. However, the state is facing a shortage of dentists that will take MassHealth, the state-reimbursement insurance plan that serves 1.3 million Commonwealth residents. A mere 21 percent of Massachusetts dentists in fiscal 2013 accepted MassHealth patients.
6. The proposed legislation is going one step further than legislation passed four years ago allowing dental hygienists to practice without the direct supervision of a dentist.
7. Various dentists in Massachusetts claim fluoridated drinking water is a better solution to combating the lack of dental care.