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Collaborative Practice: Increasing Dental Hygiene Access to Care!
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IFT & Dental Hygienists Push Access to Oral Health Care
Testimony will be taken by House and Senate Committees on March 16 for two IFT bills promoting greater access to oral health care services provided by licensed dental hygienists. The IFT and its affiliate Illinois Dental Hygienists Association (IDHA) are proposing greater access to oral health care services in SB 1919 (see FACT SHEET sponsored by Senator Donne Trotter and HB 1920 (see FACT
SHEET) sponsored by Representative Brandon Phelps.
Testimony is scheduled by IDHA representatives at the House Health Care License committee and Senate Licensed Activities Committee. The hearings are “subject matter only” with no vote expected on the bills. The goal of the hearings is to promote greater understanding of lack of oral health care services to children, low income families and seniors. The IDHA is proposing changes based on a successful Minnesota law that enables registered dental hygienists to reach out to underserved people. The changes are opposed by the Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS). The IFT and IDHA are seeking negotiations with ISDS.
IFT Position — Support