Substitute House Bill No. 5303 proposes amendments to Section 20-126l of the general statutes, allowing licensed dental hygienists to provide dental hygiene services in private residences, in addition to public health facilities. The bill introduces the phrase "or private residence" in subsections (b) and (f), specifying that hygienists must have at least two years of licensure and comply with certain requirements to practice in private settings. It maintains existing restrictions on the services that dental hygienists can perform, such as prohibiting them from diagnosing dental procedures or prescribing medications, while emphasizing the importance of continuing education for license renewal.

The legislation also outlines continuing education requirements, mandating that dental hygienists earn a minimum of sixteen contact hours, including training in infection control and cultural competency, for license renewal. Licensees must keep records of their compliance for three years and may receive waivers for medical disabilities or illnesses. Additionally, those not actively practicing can apply for exemptions, and individuals with voided licenses must complete continuing education or pass specific examinations for reinstatement. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
AGE Joint Favorable: 20-126l
File No. 96: 20-126l