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Senate concurs in bill allowing limited-access permits for dental hygienists in school programs
Summary
Senate concurred in House Bill 321, which creates a limited-access permit (LAP) for dental hygienists to provide preventive services in school-based oral health programs, preserving Board of Dentistry authority and not changing the scope of practice.
The Montana Senate on March 17 concurred in House Bill 321, which provides for a limited-access permit (LAP) enabling dental hygienists to deliver preventive services in school-based oral health programs under general supervision.
Sponsor Senator Beard said the bill is the result of nearly two years of collaboration between the Montana Dental Association and the Montana Dental Hygienists Association and retains the Board of Dentistry’s authority and Department of Labor and Industry support.
Why it matters: Supporters said the LAP will allow hygienists to provide preventive treatments in schools where coordinated programs exist, potentially expanding access to oral health care for children without changing the hygienist scope of practice or mandating services for schools or students.
Senator Beard told the Senate the LAP “provides limited preventative treatment in school based oral health program health programs, coordinated through school administration or school health services” and stressed the bill does not mandate school participation or student acceptance.
Action: Senator Beard moved concurrence in House Bill 321. The clerk recorded 50 senators voting aye; the bill was concurred in on second reading.
Next steps: The bill advances in the legislative process; rulemaking authority remains with the Board of Dentistry to define implementation details and maintain professional standards.
