A bill in the Kentucky legislature aims to expand the locations where dental hygienists are permitted to practice as public health hygienists, according to a March 3 report from Public News Service.
Staffing Issues
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont has put forward legislation to remove license application and renewal fees for certain occupations, including dental hygienists.
Seven states have recently introduced legislation to join the Instate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact created by the American Association of Dental Boards.
Arizona legislators are currently considering a bill that would enter the state into the Dental and Dental Hygienist Compact.
The Georgia House Health Committee unanimously passed a bill to help dental schools in Augusta and Savannah, Ga., to recruit faculty members, according to a Feb. 20 report from Savannah Morning News.
Advertisement
There are currently 7,085 dental professional shortage areas in the U.S., according to new data from the Health Resources and Services Administration.
The Florida Dental Association is opposed to a bill that would establish dental therapists in Florida, according to a Feb. 17 report from the Tampa Bay Times.
Pocatello-based Idaho State University has requested additional funding from the state to expand the Idaho Dental Education Program, idahoednews.org reported Feb. 11.
The shortage of dental professionals has significantly affected New Mexico, especially in rural communities, according to a Feb. 11 report from Albuquerque Journal.
Missouri legislators are considering joining the interstate Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.