The Wisconsin Senate and State Assembly both passed a package of bills to improve and expand access to oral healthcare in the state.
The package includes four bills related to dental and oral healthcare, according to a Jan. 16 news release from wispolitics.com.
Here are the four bills in the package and their potential impact on dentistry in the state:
- SB689: Creates a licensure process for dental therapists. Licensed dental therapists in Wisconsin would be allowed to provide mid-level care under the supervision of a dentist.
- SB692: Ratifies the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Interstate Compact, allowing dentists and dental hygienists from other member states to practice dentistry in Wisconsin.
- SB702: Expands dental programs at technical colleges in the state by using $20 million that was set aside in the 2023-25 state budget. With the funds, the state will aid colleges by helping pay for one-time expenditures such as equipment and facilities upgrades.
- SB706: Offers Wisconsin residents enrolled at the Marquette University School of Dentistry scholarships if the student agrees to practice in a dental health shortage area for 18 months for each annual scholarship they receive.
The package was passed in the Senate and State Assembly Jan. 16 and will be considered by Gov. Tony Evers next, the release said.