STATEHOUSE (March 12, 2018) — State Rep. Dave Frizzell’s (R-Indianapolis) legislation expanding Hoosiers’ access to dental health care in rural and underserved areas was recently signed into law by the governor.
Frizzell’s legislation establishes optional collaborative agreements between a dentist and a dental hygienist, allowing dental hygienists to perform oral care procedures, like annual cleanings. Frizzell said this agreement requires a practicing dentist to be readily available to provide emergency communication and consultation with the dental hygienist during all procedures.
“These access practice agreements allow dental hygienists to perform basic oral care procedures in non-office settings such as nursing homes or dental health fairs,” Frizzell said. “Under this agreement, a patient would sign a consent form, before dental hygienists could perform a procedure. This is a major step forward in increasing access to oral health care across the state, particularly in rural areas.”
In 2016, only 16 of Indiana’s 92 counties had an adequate supply of dentists. Frizzell said with this law, Indiana joins several other states that have adopted similar practices for dental hygienists.
House Enrolled Act 1116 will go into effect July 1. Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about this legislation.
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State Rep. Dave Frizzell (R-Indianapolis) represents House District 93,
which includes a portion of Marion and Johnson counties.
A high-resolution photo of Frizzell can be downloaded by clicking here.
