HB 1917 - DIGEST

     Declares an intent of the legislature to provide access to oral health care services to medicaid eligible and low-income families and children and other dentally underserved populations by addressing some identified barriers.

     Directs the department of health, in consultation with the University of Washington school of dentistry and upon approval of the higher education coordinating board, to develop an oral health assessment educational program to be required as additional training for licensed dental hygienists who apply for a dental hygienist public health certification.

     Requires the department of health to report to the legislature by December 1, 2002, on the need to continue granting certification as public health dental hygienists to dental hygienists.  The report shall identify alternatives to certifying public health dental hygienists that meet the same goals and objectives.