8/05/08

Following similar legislation in California and Maine, the state senate of Massachusetts has unanimously passed "An Act to Improve, Promote, and Protect the Oral Health of the Commonwealth."

The bill would permit registered dental hygienists who practice in public health settings such as schools, Head Start programs, and nursing homes, to provide preventive oral health services to underserved MassHealth recipients without the supervision of a dentist. The bill would also establish registration and career laddering for dental assistants and enhance the oral health infrastructure in Massachusetts.

The Bill is pending approval by the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

[State of Massachusetts, July 30, 2008]