New dental bill could give legislation "teeth"

Dentists hope a new bill will give more teeth to current legislation. The proposal will increase access to dental care for those in low-income communities.

The proposal allows families living below the poverty line to use community-based dental services without seeing a dentist.

"It takes about two years to go to dental hygiene school."

Brooke Ragan never liked going to the dentist as a child, but it didn't stop her from working with one.

"Decided that this will be a great profession to get into. You know, you get to work with the public."

As a hygienist, Ragan is in charge of giving patients a healthy smile.

"You get to work in the clinic, you know, with the public. You learn, you know, your instrumentation and all the tools. You'll learn how to take x-rays."

Under a new bill, hygienists who work for community-based health clinics will do more including preventative services, cleaning and x-rays without the supervision of a dentist.

"Public health hygienists, the opportunity to go to out in front of the doctor and provide care to those who may not be able to get to a dentist."

It would require more training and only applies to community clinics, but Dr. Larry Osborne, who helped craft the proposal says, many public health offices need the help.

"It's the working poor and also those who can't access care."

Hygienists aren't the only ones who could get more training. It would give dental assistants more opportunities as well.

"This is an additional training that they learn, light scale, to be able to clean patients that are 12 or under."

Osborne says it's all about helping those in need.

"I expect us to really make an impact and look forward to that."

The bill is waiting to be signed by the governor. If passed, the legislation will be for a five-year trial period.

Source: http://www.illinoishomepage.net/news/capitol-news/new-dental-bill-could-give-legislation-teeth

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