This bill amends Section 37-4-405 of the Montana Code Annotated to revise the laws governing the supervised practice of dental hygienists. It allows licensed dental hygienists to provide dental hygiene preventative services in school-based oral health programs under public health supervision, in addition to their existing permissions to practice in public health facilities and under the supervision of licensed dentists. The bill also clarifies definitions related to supervision, public health facilities, and introduces the concept of school-based oral health programs.

Key changes include the insertion of new definitions and the expansion of the scope of practice for dental hygienists, particularly in school settings. The bill specifies that dental hygienists practicing under public health supervision must obtain a limited access permit and outlines the qualifications and processes for obtaining this permit. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for dental hygienists to refer patients to licensed dentists for treatments outside their authorized scope and to adhere to medical and dental health guidelines established by the board.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 37-4-405
HB0321_1(1): 37-4-405
HB0321_1(2): 37-4-405
HB0321_1(3): 37-4-405
HB0321_1(4): 37-4-405
HB0321_1(5): 37-4-405
HB0321_1(6): 37-4-405
HB0321_1: 37-4-405
HB0321_2: 37-4-405
HB0321_X(1): 37-4-405
HB0321_X(10): 37-4-405
HB0321_X(11): 37-4-405
HB0321_X(2): 37-4-405
HB0321_X(3): 37-4-405
HB0321_X(4): 37-4-405
HB0321_X(5): 37-4-405
HB0321_X(6): 37-4-405
HB0321_X(7): 37-4-405
HB0321_X(8): 37-4-405
HB0321_X(9): 37-4-405
HB0321_X: 37-4-405