STAND. COM. REP. NO. 860-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.B. No. 1777

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 1777, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DENTAL HYGIENISTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize dental hygienists under the general supervision of a licensed dentist to perform preventive dental sealant screenings and apply preventive dental sealants in a school-based oral health program.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health; University of Hawaiʻi System; Disability and Communication Access Board; Board of Dentistry; Hawaiʻi Oral Health Coalition; Hawaii Dental Service; Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!; Hawaii Dental Hygienists' Association; AlohaCare; Hawaii Dental Association; Hawaii Medical Service Association; and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that dental hygienists are trained to identify when sealants may be appropriate and to apply sealants to teeth. However, under existing law, dental hygienists are only able to apply sealants when certain requirements are met: a child must be a patient of record with a dental provider and have a treatment plan from that provider before receiving a protective sealant. These requirements create administrative barriers that hinder efficiency and effectiveness of school-based oral health programs.

Your Committee further finds that allowing dental hygienists to apply sealants at the time of screening in a school-based setting is an effective, cost-free solution that improves oral health outcomes. While dental hygienists perform these key prevention activities, supervising dentists can prioritize patients' advanced care needs. This measure promotes good oral health practices by increasing access to dental hygienist services, which will improve the sustainability, efficiency, and effectiveness of school-based oral health programs.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1777, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

MARK M. NAKASHIMA, Chair