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.
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. There was no opposition voiced to the committee. 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.