The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5303, aims to expand the scope of practice for dental hygienists by allowing them to provide dental hygiene services in private residences, in addition to public health facilities. The bill amends section 20-126l of the general statutes, specifically by repealing subsections (a) and (b) and replacing them with new definitions and provisions. Notably, it introduces the term "private residence" into the legal framework, indicating that dental hygienists can practice in such settings under certain conditions. Specifically, a dental hygienist must either practice under the general supervision of a licensed dentist or have at least two years of experience and comply with additional requirements.

Furthermore, the bill modifies subsection (f) of section 20-126l to require dental hygienists practicing in both public health facilities and private residences to refer patients with needs outside their scope of practice to licensed dentists. This ensures that patients receive appropriate care while allowing dental hygienists to operate in a broader range of environments. The changes are set to take effect on October 1, 2026, thereby providing a clear timeline for the implementation of these new provisions.