The Massachusetts Senate unanimously approved a budget amendment on May 25 that would allow dentists to hire midlevel providers (MLPs) known as dental hygiene practitioners.
The amendment by Sen. Harriette Chandler (D-Worcester) will increase access to dental care, according to the Dental Care for Mass Coalition.
Dental hygiene practitioners, similar to physician assistants, work in collaboration with licensed dentists. MLPs now practice in the states of Minnesota, Alaska, and Washington. Maine passed a law in 2014 authorizing them, and Oregon has approved a program allowing local tribes to hire them. Vermont lawmakers have approved a bill for MLPs, which has been sent to the governor.
The provision now goes to a House-Senate conference committee, which meets in June to discuss the budget.
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