Connecticut legislators are considering a bill that would allow dental hygienists to provide services inside private residences.
Five notes:
1. House bill 5303 allows hygienists who have been practicing for at least two years to provide services at private residences without general supervision from a dentist.
2. Hygienists are already allowed to provide services at public health facilities without dentist supervision.
3. Hygienists practicing in private residences would be required to refer patients to a licensed dentist if the patients’ needs exceed their scope of practice.
4. Hygienists would not be allowed to perform various services without dentist supervision, including making diagnoses, removing tissue, prescribing medications and taking impressions.
5. If passed, the bill would go into effect Oct. 1.
