FTC Supports Legislation to Expand Scope of Practice For Georgia Dental Hygienists
House Bill 684 was introduced into the Georgia legislature in March 2015. If passed, the bill would enable dental hygienists to work independently in schools, prisons, long-term care facilities, etc, without the direct supervision of a dentist.
House Bill 684 was introduced into the Georgia legislature in March 2015. If passed, the bill would enable Georgia dental hygienists to work independently in schools, prisons, long-term care facilities, etc, without the direct supervision of a dentist. On January 29, 2016, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Office of Policy Planning, Bureau of Economics, and Bureau of Competition sent comments to State Senate Democratic Caucus Vice Chair, Senator Valencia Seay (D-GA), supporting the bill. The FTC is interested in the legislation because of its dedication to preventing unfair competitive practices and/or any acts or practices that interfere with commerce. The FTC noted, “Removing excessive supervision requirements can promote competition and achieve significant consumer benefits.”
Georgia is one of the few states that prohibits dental hygienists from directly providing care to patients. According to a 2014 report from the Georgia Department of Public Health, the state has 42 counties designated as dental professional shortage areas. Children in the state have high levels of decay, both treated and untreated—especially among children age 2 to 5. Additionally, the prevalence of dental caries among children of low socioeconomic status is 50% higher than those of high socioeconomic status.
The bill is scheduled for the 2016 legislative session. The Georgia Dental Hygienists’ Association and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association are lobbying for its passage.
From Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. March 2016;14(03):14–15.
