AZ HB2156

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes Section 32-1281 regarding dental hygienist supervision and scope of practice under the State Board of Dental Examiners.

Allows dental hygienists to perform procedures in health care facilities, nursing homes, public health agencies, institutions, and schools on patients examined by a dentist or physician within the previous year (clarifies that physician examination qualifies in addition to dentist examination).

Permits dental hygienists to provide services in homebound settings on patients examined by a dentist or physician within the previous year.

Maintains requirements that dental hygienists practice under general supervision of a dentist, except for specific procedures requiring direct supervision (administering local anesthetics, administering nitrous oxide analgesia, and placing periodontal sutures).

Establishes that supervising dentists using emerging scientific technology with dental hygienists must have training equal to or greater than the training required for the dental hygienist.