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Debate over allowing dental hygienists into private homes splits providers and advocates
Summary
HB 5303 would add private residences to permitted practice locations for public‑health registered dental hygienists. Advocates said it would improve access for homebound seniors; the state dental association warned the change needs scope‑of‑practice review, workforce analysis and safeguards for infection control and supervision.
HB 5303, which would permit registered dental hygienists to provide preventative services in private residences, prompted largely constructive but divided testimony.
Supporters—including the Connecticut Oral Health Initiative, AARP, and advocates for homebound seniors—argued the bill simply changes setting, not scope: hygienists already deliver preventive care in schools, group homes and nursing facilities under the public‑health registered hygienist framework. They said adding private homes would allow homebound, medically fragile and rural seniors to receive preventive services, close diagnostic gaps, and reduce emergency visits.
The Connecticut State Dental Association cautioned the committee that the proposal raises questions about supervision, infection control, emergency protocols and workforce capacity. Its executive director recommended a formal scope‑of‑practice review and careful design of reimbursement, licensure and liability protections.
DSS and OHA witnesses said the bill could be implemented operationally by adding a place‑of‑service code and coordinating referrals to dentists. Committee members asked for implementation details for group homes and multiple‑patient visits and asked proponents and opponents to submit operational protocols and workforce impact analyses.
