HI SB2854

Licensed dental hygienists would be authorized to place interim therapeutic restorations (temporary cavity treatments using hand instruments and adhesive materials) in public health settings under general supervision of a licensed dentist.

Dental hygienists must complete at least 10 hours of training including 4 hours didactic, 2 hours laboratory, and 4 hours clinical training with placement of at least 3 restorations on patients through accredited programs.

The supervising dentist must plan and prescribe the treatment and provide additional hands-on training and calibration on an annual basis.

Public health settings include schools, welfare centers, community centers, public housing, hospitals, nursing homes, nonprofit health clinics, and state/county facilities.

Hawaii received an "F" grade from PEW Charitable Trusts in 2013 and 2015 for oral health prevention efforts, with 71% of third-grade children experiencing tooth decay; this bill aims to expand access to preventive dental care particularly for neighbor island and lower-income residents.