SRC-TNM S.B. 1347 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1347
By: Madla
Health & Human Services
4-15-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, a significant number of children in need of dental treatment
are not being served. Although 75 percent of pediatric dentists are
Medicaid providers and 15 percent of general dentists are Medicaid
providers as well as an increasing number of dental hygienists, there
remains an insufficient number of  Medicaid providers to meet this need.
The Texas Department of Health's primary goal is to provide as many
Medicaid children with tooth sealants as possible.  S.B. 1347 would permit
dental assistants with two years' experience and with proper training and
certification by the Texas Board of Dental Examiners  to perform the
function of polishing and the application of sealants. 
     
PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1347 outlines provisions regarding certain permitted
duties of dental assistants. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Article 4551e-1, V.T.C.S., by amending Subsection (b)
and adding Subsection (h), to delete text prohibiting a dentist from
delegating root planning or the smoothing and polishing of roughened root
surfaces or exposed human teeth to a person not licensed as a dentist or
dental hygienist.  Authorizes a person licensed to practice dentistry to
delegate to a dental assistant with two years' experience who has
completed training and certification prescribed by the Texas Board of
Dental Examiners the act of application of pit and fissure sealants under
the supervision, direction, and responsibility of the delegating dentist. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.