Bill > HB3934

This bill establishes three levels of "extended care permits" for licensed dental hygienists in Oklahoma, allowing them to provide a broader range of dental services in specific settings and to underserved populations, including children in various programs, individuals in correctional facilities, local health departments, federally qualified health centers, and those with developmental disabilities or who are elderly and reside in certain facilities or receive community-based services. To obtain these permits, dental hygienists must meet specific experience or teaching hour requirements, maintain professional liability insurance, and be sponsored and monitored by a licensed dentist, who can supervise no more than three hygienists per permit level. The scope of practice for each permit level varies, with higher levels allowing for more advanced procedures like temporary fillings, denture adjustments, and the administration of local anesthetics, though all services are considered preventive or palliative and do not replace comprehensive dental diagnosis and care. Additionally, the bill mandates continuing education for these extended care hygienists, including specific training on special needs patients and expanded practice areas, and ensures that Medicaid will cover services provided by these extended dental hygienists.

Health and Social Services

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb3934&Session=2600