DENTAL ASS'T:  ALLOW SUPERVISION BY HYGIENIST

House Bill 4718

Sponsor:  Rep. Eileen Kowall

Committee:  Health Policy

Complete to 3-20-12

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4718 AS INTRODUCED 6-9-11

The bill would allow a dental assistant to function as a "second pair of hands" for a dental hygienist under the supervision of that dental hygienist.

A dental assistant or dental hygienist may only perform certain tasks under the direct delegation or supervision of a licensed dentist.  Currently, a dental assistant or a dental hygienist may function as a "second pair of hands" for a dentist who is in the process of rendering dental services and treatment to a patient. As defined in R 338.11101 of the Administrative Code, the term "second pair of hands" refers to acts, tasks, functions, and procedures performed by a dental assistant, registered dental assistant, or registered dental hygienist at the direction of a dentist who is in the process of rendering dental services to a patient.  The acts, tasks, etc. must be ancillary to the procedures being performed by the dentist and intended to provide help and assistance at the time the procedures are performed. 

House Bill 4718 would add a new section to the Public Health Code to allow a dental hygienist to supervise a dental assistant who is acting as a second pair of hands for the dental hygienist.  The bill would also place in statute the provision that a dental assistant, while assisting a dentist (as well as a dental hygienist) who at the time was actively performing services in the mouth of a patient, could function as a second pair of hands for that dentist (or dental hygienist).

MCL 333.16626

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no fiscal impact on state or local units of government.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Susan Stutzky

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Paul Holland

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.