Bill > SB2854

This bill allows licensed dental hygienists in Hawaii to place interim therapeutic restorations, which is a provisional technique to control tooth decay by removing soft material with hand instruments and applying an adhesive material, in public health settings under the general supervision of a licensed dentist. To perform this procedure, dental hygienists must complete specific training, including didactic, laboratory, and clinical components, and receive annual hands-on training from a supervising dentist. This change aims to address barriers to dental care, particularly for lower-income residents and those on neighbor islands, and to improve oral health outcomes by making preventive dental services more accessible and cost-effective, especially for high-risk populations. The bill defines "public health setting" broadly to include various community and institutional locations.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2854&year=2026