Expands duties of licensed dental hygienists in South Carolina, allowing more unsupervised services and direct reimbursement by payers.

This bill amends South Carolina's dental hygiene regulations to expand the services licensed dental hygienists can perform without supervision or with general supervision. It defines new terms and allows hygienists to perform procedures such as oral prophylaxis, fluoride treatment, and oral hygiene instruction under general supervision. Dental hygienists practicing independently in public health settings can be recognized as providers by Medicaid and other payers, and may be directly reimbursed.

Expands duties of licensed dental hygienists in South Carolina, allowing more unsupervised services and direct reimbursement by payers.

This bill amends South Carolina's dental hygiene regulations to expand the services licensed dental hygienists can perform without supervision or with general supervision. It defines new terms and allows hygienists to perform procedures such as oral prophylaxis, fluoride treatment, and oral hygiene instruction under general supervision. Dental hygienists practicing independently in public health settings can be recognized as providers by Medicaid and other payers, and may be directly reimbursed.