Delaware's General Assembly unanimously passed Senate Bill 283, legislation expanding the scope of practice for dental hygienists in the state. The bill now awaits the governor's signature.
The legislation authorizes hygienists to administer and dispense topical agents and fluoride under standing orders from a dentist and to place sealants and provide prophylaxis without a prior dental examination, as long as patients are examined within 12 months.
It also formally recognizes hygienists' role in dental hygiene assessment and treatment planning and allows them to directly supervise dental assistants, within parameters set by the Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene.
The bill reflects a broader national trend of states expanding the dental hygiene workforce to address provider shortages, following similar legislative moves in Virginia earlier this year.
