MO HB459

Creates "extended access" agreements allowing licensed dental hygienists to provide services through a partnering arrangement with a licensed dentist, working outside the dentist's direct supervision

Requires dental hygienists seeking extended access permits to have practiced at least 2,000 hours within the previous five years, carry professional liability insurance, and make annual referrals to a dentist for patients

Limits each dentist to partnering with no more than three dental hygienists under extended access, and each hygienist to no more than three dentist partners

Permits extended access hygienists to perform scaling, polishing, sealants, fluoride treatments, root planing, radiographs, and nonsurgical periodontal procedures

Mandates an additional six hours of continuing education per licensure renewal period for hygienists working under extended access agreements