Maine Rep. Anne-Marie Mastraccio has prefiled a bill for the 2026 legislative session that would expand the scope of practice for independent dental hygienists.
If passed, the bill would allow independent hygienists to administer local anesthesia or nitrous oxide analgesia as long as they have the appropriate licensure authority.
Maine is one of only a few states that allow dental hygienists to practice fully independently, without the need for a collaborative agreement or dentist supervision.
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