Bill proposes sensible solution to dentistry’s challenges in Florida
In 2016, nearly 167,000 Floridians with preventable dental diseases showed up in emergency rooms across the state. As a public health dental hygienist, I try to reach many of these individuals: Medicaid patients, patients on private insurance and patients with no insurance at all.
Dental hygienists do much more than “clean teeth.” We are oral health experts and prevention specialists. We spend our time educating patients on the value of good oral health, emphasizing the oral systemic link and teaching them proper brushing and flossing techniques. In addition, we provide oral cancer screenings, nutritional counseling, caries risk assessment, smoking cessation counseling and more.
Although the dental hygiene profession is extremely rewarding, it has become increasingly more difficult to provide care. Rampant tooth decay due to lack of access to a dentist is frustrating, and children tend to be the worst affected. Finding providers willing to accept patients’ insurance or, in some cases, offer pro bono services, is a challenge. Dentists frequently change insurance carriers, and many choose not to accept the state’s Medicaid and children’s health insurance programs.
For these reasons, the Florida Dental Hygienists’ Association is a strong supporter of HB 683, a bill being considered by the Florida Legislature that would allow dentists to hire mid-level providers called dental therapists and provide more advanced training for dental hygienists.
Dental therapists, similar to physician assistants in the medical field, can perform preventive care as well as routine restorative duties, such as fillings for children and adults. Compared to a dentist who can perform about 400 procedures, a dental therapist can complete 94. This limited focus allows for a high degree of specialization in those procedures.
These mid-level providers, highly educated and trained professionals, allow dentists to see more patients, decrease travel time and appointment waits, increase productivity, and reduce the “no show” rate.
If there is one thing we can unite around, it is helping fellow Floridians live better and healthier lives. As our state’s legislative session continues, we will continue supporting legislation to improve the oral health of all Floridians.
SUE KASSOFF-CORREIA, BOCA RATON Editor’s note: Sue Kassoff-Correia is president of the Florida Dental Hygienists’ Association.