LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY ALERT
On May 27, 2011 MDHA and Greater Springfield Dental Society presented proposals to the Missouri Dental Board for their consideration as possible legislation in the coming legislative year. Both proposals were accepted by a vote of 5 to 1 to become one single piece of legislation for the next session.
These proposals create new levels of providers of dental care--the Dental Therapist and the Advanced Practice Dental Hygienist. Both are designed to work collaboratively with the dentist and extend the reach of dental services to the underserved and unserved. This will be a giant step toward assisting the dentist in creating "patient centered" dental homes because the dentist will be able to utilize these professionals to reach people in non-traditional settings-settings where they live, work, go to school or receive social services. Additionally, these professionals will be able to work in the traditional office settings.
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For the Record:
Missouri Dental Board (MDB) rule change now allows hygienists to apply fluoride without a dentist being present. 2OCSR 2110 - 2.130 Dental Hygienists (#7): "A hygienist may provide oral hygiene instructions, conduct oral screenings and apply fluoride with out a dentist being present. The hygienist shall refer the individual screened to a dentist for diagnosis." For all MDB Statutes and Rules, visit http://pr.mo.gov/dental-rules-statutes.asp.
Keep up to date on all the changes.
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