HCS HB 1413 -- DENTAL HYGIENISTS

SPONSOR:  Treadway

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Professional Registration and Licensing by a vote of 13 to 0.

The substitute establishes the Advisory Commission for Dental
Hygienists with 5 members.  It will be the duty of the
commission to approve educational requirements for hygienists,
annually review the practice act, and make recommendations to
the State Dental Board.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Cost to Dental Board Fund of $8,352
in FY 2001, $13,439 in FY 2002, and $13,736 in FY 2003.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that all parties concerned have come
together and resolved their differences.  The advisory
commission is going to be a good way for the hygienists to be
represented before the dental board.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Treadway, Missouri
Dental Hygienist Association, and Missouri Dental Association.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Bob Dominique, Legislative Analyst

HB 1413 -- Dental Board

Sponsor:  Treadway

This bill increases the members of the State Dental Board from 7
to 9, requiring 3 of those members to be dental hygienists.

The bill also establishes the Advisory Commission for Dental
Hygienists with 5 members.  It will be the duty of the
commission to approve educational requirements for hygienists,
annually review the practice act, and make recommendations to
the State Dental Board.

Provisions regarding the appointment, terms, and duties of the
commission are contained in the bill.

The bill changes the continuing education requirements for
dental hygienists from 45 hours every 3 years to 30 hours every
2 years.