The bill aims to enhance access to patient care by increasing preventive dental care through the establishment of a new licensing category for oral preventive assistants. It introduces a new section to chapter 18.260 RCW, outlining the requirements for obtaining a license, which include payment of fees, submission of personal information, and successful completion of approved training. Additionally, the bill mandates the commission to adopt rules defining the scope of services that oral preventive assistants can perform under the supervision of licensed dentists, including dental assisting services, periodontal probing, and dental prophylaxis for patients with healthy oral conditions.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws to clarify the scope of dental assisting services and the supervision required for dental assistants. It specifies that certain procedures, such as sterilization of dental instruments, may be performed under general supervision, while other tasks remain under close supervision. The bill also includes provisions for the commission to establish renewal requirements for credentials, including continuing education for oral preventive assistants and expanded function dental auxiliary licenses. Overall, the legislation seeks to improve preventive dental care access while ensuring that appropriate training and supervision standards are maintained.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 18.260.040, 18.260.090