Maine legislators approved a bill on Tuesday that would create a new category of dental hygienists: dental hygiene therapists.
The House of Representatives voted 95-45 in support of LD 1230, according to an Associated Press story. Hygienists could become dental hygiene therapists after additional schooling, 1,000 clinical hours, and an examination.
Proponents say Maine has a shortage of dentists, but opponents say the issue is that patients don't show up for appointments.
The bill, which was introduced by Speaker of the House Mark Eves (D-North Berwick), now goes before the Senate.
