Committee backs bill requiring dental hygienists to pass exam before administering local anesthesia

Representative Carol McGuire presented House Bill 144, which would require dental hygienists to pass an examination before administering local anesthesia. McGuire said an audit of the board's statute showed the requirement was not explicitly written into state law, and the bill corrects that omission.

Dana Juris of OPLC told the committee she had no substantive objection and was available for questions. Angela Boyle, a dental hygienist representing the New Hampshire Dental Hygienists Association, described local anesthesia as a non-systemic, localized injection used for procedures such as deep cleanings and fillings and said New Hampshire Technical Institute students receive the training as part of their curriculum. Boyle said the statute change would ensure out-of-state hygienists have the necessary qualifications when they practice in New Hampshire.

Committee members asked for clarification about the scope of "local anesthesia" versus sedation; witnesses distinguished the bill from separate rulemaking about moderate or minimal sedation. The committee voted to place HB 144 on the consent calendar and moved the bill forward by voice vote.