House Bill No. 5140 expands the practice of dental hygienists by allowing them to provide dental hygiene services in patients' private residences, a shift from the previous limitation to public health facilities. The bill modifies Section 20-126l of the general statutes, introducing new definitions for terms such as "general supervision of a licensed dentist" and "public health facility." It establishes a new category for dental hygienists with at least two years of experience, enabling them to operate under specific regulations without the direct supervision of a dentist, while still requiring adherence to existing scope of practice limitations. The Department of Public Health (DPH) is tasked with creating regulations that will define eligible patients, require documented oral health care plans, and establish emergency protocols and infection control standards.

Furthermore, the bill outlines continuing education requirements for dental hygienists, allowing for the substitution of volunteer practice hours for credits and detailing the process for license renewal and reinstatement. It also provides for waivers of continuing education requirements in cases of medical disability or illness. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2026. House Amendment "A" replaces the original bill's focus on a study of senior citizens' needs with these new provisions regarding dental hygiene practice, thereby enhancing access to dental services while ensuring patient safety and professional accountability.

Statutes affected:
File No. 739: 20-126l