A bill in the Kentucky legislature aims to expand the locations where dental hygienists are permitted to practice as public health hygienists, according to a March 3 report from Public News Service.
Public health hygienist programs are currently limited to public health departments. House Bill 223 expands public health hygienist programs in the state to include federally qualified health centers.
In order to provide dental services, dental hygienists have to work for a dentist and the patient must first have an exam from a dentist. The public health hygienist programs allow dental hygienists to directly provide care to patients.
Public health hygienists have additional qualifications and are able to provide assessments, cleanings, education, fluoride varnish and sealants, mainly to underserved communities.
The Kentucky Oral Health Coalition has provided support and backed the bill, the report said.