| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Health Care & Wellness Committee | |
HB 1298
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Regarding dental hygienist employment by health care facilities and sealant programs in schools.
Sponsors: Representatives Green, Campbell, Cody, Morrell, Moeller and Conway.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/13/07
Staff: Chris Cordes (786-7103).
Background:
Dental hygienists must be licensed by the Department of Health (DOH) to perform specified
services under a licensed dentist's supervision. These basic services include removing deposits
and stains from the surfaces of the teeth, applying topical preventive agents, polishing and
smoothing restorations, and performing root planing and soft-tissue curettage. A licensed dentist
may also delegate other services to dental hygienists, but certain services may not be delegated,
such as surgical removal of oral cavity tissue and prescribing prescription drugs.
Under a statutory exception, experienced dental hygienists may perform the basic services
without dental supervision. These dental hygienists may be employed to perform these services
for patients, students, and residents of health care facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes,
and certain public facilities and institutions. To participate, the dental hygienist must have had,
within the last five year, two years of practical clinical experience with a licensed dentist.
Licensed dental hygienists are also permitted to assess for and apply sealants and fluoride
varnishes for low-income, rural, and other at-risk populations in community-based sealant
programs carried out at schools. Dental hygienists who participate in these programs must be
school sealant endorsed under a program created by the DOH. However, dental hygienists who
were licensed before April 19, 2001, may participate in the school sealant program without
attending the school sealant endorsement program.
Summary of Bill:
The list of health care facilities that may employ experienced licensed dental hygienists to
perform basic services without dental supervision is expanded to include centers where seniors
congregate.
The services that licenced dental hygienists who are school sealant endorsed may perform for
low-income, rural, and at-risk populations are expanded to allow the removal of deposits and
stains from the surfaces of teeth.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.