Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Dental Hygienists Get Some Freedom in Maryland

New law allows them to practice more widely

By Marc Kilmer

Categories: Maryland

As the Washington Post reports, dental hygienists in Maryland will have a little more freedom in Maryland:

The measure, which should take effect Oct. 1, will allow hygienists to provide preventive care such as cleanings, sealants and fluoride treatments in public health settings such as clinics, schools and Head Start programs without prior authorization or direct supervision of a dentist.

This expansion of both hygeniests' freedom and patient choice is a step in the right direction. There is no need for a hygienist to have the direct supervision of a dentist for many procedures. Giving them more autonomy has the potential to expand access to care and lower prices. Unfortunately the bill does not apply to hygienists to have the same autonomy in private practice.