California Governor signs AB 1334 into law to expand access to oral care for millions of Californians…Measure expected to more effectively address needs of underserved populations including seniors

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 2 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed into law a measure that clears the way for specially-trained dental hygienists to expand access to oral health care to those who need it most, the California Dental Hygienists' Association (CDHA) announced today.

Sponsored by CDHA, Assembly Bill 1334 (Salinas) allows Registered Dental Hygienists in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) to practice without prior approval from a dentist. Many in public health view this as a critical component for combating the growing epidemic of oral disease among seniors, poor children, minorities and other underserved populations.

"This new law represents a major milestone in California dental health and opens the door for dental hygienists to play a more active and integral role in delivering oral health care throughout the state," said Susan McLearan, president of CDHA. "We look forward to working with others in the public health community so that we can more effectively address this severe problem."

The new law will eliminate the current requirement that RDHAPs first receive a prescription from a dentist before providing care in certain situations. But many dentists have either refused to grant the required prescriptions so that these highly skilled dental hygienists can do their jobs.

When it goes into effect Jan. 1, 2007, the new law is expected to provide a wide range of benefits because:

-- There exists a huge need because millions of Californians do not have access to care.

-- RDHAPs possess the skills to meet this need. They have cared for more than 30,000 underserved Californians as part of a decade-long pilot project -- notably without a single adverse impact to a patient.

-- RDHAPs also possess the skills and training necessary to treat and identify numerous illnesses in addition to oral diseases in patients who otherwise would not be treated.

-- Expanding access to care does not adversely impact dentists, who typically do not even cater to this underserved demographic. And when appropriate, RDHAPs are trained to refer patients to dentists when their expertise is necessary.

"We are thrilled that our years of persistence have paid off and that dental hygienists will soon be able to fully apply their skills and training to meet a dire need for millions of Californians," said McLearan.

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The California Dental Hygienists' Association (CHDA) is the authoritative voice of the state's dental hygiene profession. The organization was established 20 years ago when two regional associations merged to form a unified professional group. CDHA represents thousands of dental hygienists throughout the state and is dedicated to expanding opportunities for the profession and access to care for all Californians.