Hygienists allowed to provide on-site services

Senators approved a bill March 14 that allows dental hygienists to provide certain services in health care facilities.

LB484, introduced by Wilber Sen. Russ Karpisek, allows dental hygienists to treat children in a public health care setting. The treatment is limited to include:
• oral prophylaxis;
• pulp vitality testing; and
• preventive measures, including the application of fluoride, sealants and other agents that prevent oral disease.

The bill also allows a licensed dental hygienist with 3,000 hours of clinical experience to provide such treatments to adults in a health care facility.

The bill passed on a 45-0 vote.