Bill seeks to expand dental care access
Legislators are considering a bill that would allow dental hygiene therapists to operate independent practices in the state as a way to expand access to dental care in rural areas.
The Bangor Daily News reported that LD 1230 has gained bipartisan support as a way to address a problem outlined in a study presented to the Legislature in early February.
The study, from researchers at MCD Public Health in Augusta, found that 13% of Maine dentists practice in rural areas, defined as having 2,500 or fewer people.
An earlier report by the Pew Center on the States found 40% of Mainers live in areas designated by the federal government as short on dental care.
Proponents of the bill say they hope to curb spending on emergency room visits stemming from health problems that could be addressed by routine visits.
During testimony Thursday, the paper reported the bill drew opposition from a representative of the Maine Dental Association, who argued that allowing dental hygienists to open separate practices would not solve underlying dental care problems in the state. More than 100 Maine dentists have gone on record opposing the bill, according to an MDA spokesman.
Legislators showed strong support for the bill, however, with 40 cosponsors on both sides of the aisle who look to Alaska and Minnesota, where dental hygienists can practice independently.
Editor's note: This item has been updated and clarified from its original version.
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