Bill > SB6146

This bill aims to improve oral health equity and increase access to preventive dental care in Washington by creating new pathways for dental professionals and expanding the scope of practice for certain auxiliaries. Specifically, it establishes a new credential for "oral preventive assistants" who will undergo approved training and can perform services like dental assisting, periodontal probing, and dental prophylaxis (cleaning) for patients in a healthy oral state, all under the supervision of a licensed dentist. The bill also clarifies that certain instrument sterilization procedures for dental assistants can be performed under general supervision, not just close supervision. Furthermore, it allows dentists who have practiced for at least five years in another country to apply for licensure as a dental hygienist in Washington, provided their foreign training and experience meet equivalent competency standards. The intent is to address the shortage of dental professionals and make basic preventive dental services more accessible, particularly for children and families.

Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6146&Year=2025&Initiative=false