Legislation that would expand the scope of practice of Oregon dental hygienists has been approved by the state Joint Committee on Ways and Means following "three contentious votes," according to a story in the Lund Report.
SB 738, which was passed by the committee on June 8, would fund pilot projects across Oregon, offering dental services to people whose incomes fall below the federal poverty level, by expanding the scope of practice of dental hygienists.
Among those opposed to the bill is state Sen. Fred Girod (R-Stayton), who is also a dentist. He believes it will expand a dental hygienists' scope of practice so much that it will fundamentally change dentistry for the worse, according to story.
"For some reason, this committee thinks that any moron can do dentistry," Dr. Girod was quoted as saying.
SB 738 is a product of numerous negotiations among the Oregon Dental Association, the Oregon Oral Health Coalition, Oregon Dental Hygienists' Association, all of which support the bill. It would allow the Oregon Health Authority to create pilot programs designed to "encourage the development of innovative practices in oral healthcare" and deliver care to underserved and uninsured populations, according to the Lund Report.
The bill would also expand scope of practice for dental hygienists who have a limited access permit that allows them to provide the same services a dentist can provide, under the supervision of a dentist. To receive the permit, dental hygienists would have to complete further training and coursework.
