States are changing how dental professionals practice to expand care: Here are 3 examples

Three states have recently taken action to expand dental care by introducing and passing legislation to change how services are performed. 

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Three notes:

  1. Wisconsin authorized the practice of dental auxiliaries in the state, allowing them to help dentists complete specific services such as applying sealants, taking impressions and adjusting dentures.
  2. The Alaska House of Representatives passed a bill that would allow dental hygienists to apply for permits to work independently. It has been sent to the Senate for consideration.
  3. A bill introduced to the California Legislature would expand treatments dental assistants are authorized to perform under the supervision of a dentist, including polishing the coronal surfaces of teeth and applying pit and fissure sealants.

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