SRC-JEC, MWN S.B. 114 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 114 77R631 MXM-FBy: Madla Health & Human Services 1/29/2001 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE One of the current national health objectives is to provide at least half of all school children with dental sealants. Sealants have proved effective in preventing tooth decay and other more serious dental problems. Currently, dental assistants are prohibited from polishing teeth, which is a step in applying sealants. As proposed, S.B. 114 authorizes dental assistants with sufficient experience and training to polish teeth for the application of sealants. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 258.001, Occupations Code, to delete text regarding exposed human teeth. SECTION 2. Amends Section 258.002, Occupations Code, by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (c) to authorize a licensed dentist to delegate, under Subsection (a), the application of a pit and fissure sealant. SECTION 3. Amends Section 265.003, Occupations Code, to authorize a dental assistant who is not professionally licensed to perform one or more delegated dental acts under the direct supervision, direction, and responsibility of the dentist, including the application of a pit and fissure sealant. Authorizes a dental assistant to apply a pit and fissure sealant under Subsection (a) only if the assistant has at least two years experience as an assistant; has completed any training required by the State Board of Dental Examiners (board) for application of a sealant under this section; and is certified by the board to perform the act. SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2001.