For Immediate Release
6/27/07

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Tracy Polovick
Coordinator of Communications and Outreach
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Vance Legislation to Improve Access to Dental Care Passes Senate

HARRISBURG – The Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Pat Vance (R-Cumberland/York) to address the needs of those without access to routine, preventive dental services. 

"Currently, the Commonwealth requires professional dental services to be delivered by or under the supervision of a dentist," Vance said. "Unfortunately, this requirement becomes a barrier for low income individuals to address their dental needs.  There is an acute shortage of dentists willing to treat individuals on Medical Assistance and as a result, these individuals often only receive dental care when it is absolutely necessary. Studies have shown a possible association between oral infections and systemic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and respiratory infections. By allowing dental hygienists to provide preventive and routine care, we have an increased opportunity to prevent some of these related health problems."

Senate Bill 455 would allow public health dental hygiene practitioners to provide services within their current scope of practice, in specified institutions such as nursing homes, schools, mobile dental units and correctional facilities without the supervision of a dentist. The dental hygiene practitioner would have to be certified by the State Board of Dentistry as having completed 3,600 hours of practice under the supervision of a licensed dentist and have a malpractice policy.

The bill now goes to the House for consideration.

Vance's district includes all of Cumberland County and Carroll, Fairview, Franklin, Monaghan, Warrington and Washington townships and Dillsburg, Franklintown and Wellsville boroughs in York County.