By Coleman H.B. No. 2931
75R7672 GJH-D
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
1-1 AN ACT
1-2 relating to the performance of certain dental procedures by dental
1-3 hygienists.
1-4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
1-5 SECTION 1. Chapter 475, Acts of the 52nd Legislature,
1-6 Regular Session, 1951 (Article 4551e, Vernon's Texas Civil
1-7 Statutes), is amended by amending Section 1 and by adding Section
1-8 3A to read as follows:
1-9 Sec. 1. DEFINITIONS. The term "dental hygiene," and the
1-10 practice thereof as used in this Act shall mean and is hereby
1-11 defined as (a) the removal of accumulated matter, tartar, deposits,
1-12 accretions or stains, except mottled enamel stains, from the
1-13 natural and restored surfaces of exposed human teeth, and
1-14 restorations therefor in the human mouth, the smoothing of the
1-15 roughened root surfaces, and the polishing of said surfaces; (b)
1-16 the making of topical application of drugs or pit and fissure
1-17 sealants to the surface tissues of the human mouth and to the
1-18 exposed surface of human teeth, including the subgingival
1-19 placement of material containing medicaments; (c) the making of
1-20 Dental X-rays; and (d) such other services and procedures as may be
1-21 prescribed by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners in its
1-22 Rules and Regulations; provided, however, that such services,
1-23 tasks, or procedures defined as dental hygiene are performed in
1-24 compliance with Section 3 of this Act [Article].
2-1 The term "dental hygienist," as used in this Act shall mean
2-2 and is hereby defined as a person who practices "dental hygiene,"
2-3 who possesses the qualifications prescribed by the laws of this
2-4 State, and who possesses a valid license and current receipt by the
2-5 Texas State Board of Dental Examiners to so practice.
2-6 Sec. 3A. EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS. The Board may establish
2-7 additional education requirements for the application of pit and
2-8 fissure sealants or the placement of subgingival materials
2-9 containing medicaments.
2-10 SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 1997.
2-11 SECTION 3. The importance of this legislation and the
2-12 crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an
2-13 emergency and an imperative public necessity that the
2-14 constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several
2-15 days in each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended.