SB 5504 - DIGEST

     Finds that access to preventive oral health services for low-income children and functionally disabled persons, which are provided by licensed dental hygienists, is restricted by current practice settings.

     Declares an intent to expand access to and reduce the cost of preventive oral health services to children, elderly individuals, and functionally disabled persons who currently have unmet oral health needs.  The legislature intends to broaden the allowable practice settings in which licensed dental hygienists may provide preventive services that are within their scope of unsupervised practice.