HB 4501

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Dental Practice Act. Provides that a person who uses teledentistry practices dentistry within the meaning of the Act. Provides that a dentist may utilize and delegate dental services to a dental hygienist or dental assistant using telehealth only under the supervision requirements as specified in the Act for in-person patient care. Provides that a dental assistant who has at least 2,000 hours of direct clinical patient care experience and who has completed a structured training program provided by a continuing education provider approved by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation may perform specified procedures. Provides that a dental assistant who has completed specified training may perform coronal scaling and intracoronal temporization of a tooth under the supervision of a dentist. Changes the definition of "public health setting" to include a prison. Changes the definition of "teledentistry" to include limited patient diagnosis and treatment planning (rather than patient care) using synchronous and asynchronous communications under an Illinois licensed dentist's authority (rather than a dentist's authority). House Floor Amendment No. 2 Adds reference to: 225 ILCS 25/18 from Ch. 111, par. 2318 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill, and makes the following changes: Removes changes to the definition of "teledentistry". Removes a provision that provides that a person who uses teledentistry is considered to practice dentistry under the Act. Restores a provision providing that a dental assistant who has completed training and is an expanded function dental assistant, may place, carve, and finish amalgam restorations, and place, pack, and finish composite restorations as allowed under provisions concerning acts constituting the practice of dentistry. Provides that a dental assistant who has completed training and is an expanded function dental assistant may perform coronal scaling as allowed under provisions concerning acts constituting the practice of dentistry and intracoronal temporization of a tooth. Provides that an order to a hygienist on which services are necessary to be performed on the patient who is unable to travel to a dental office shall be implemented within 30 (rather than 120) days. Provides that without the supervision of a dentist, a dental hygienist may perform dental health education functions, including instruction in proper oral health care and dental hygiene in either a school setting or a long-term care facility. Provides that a dental hygienist may record care (instead of case) histories and oral conditions observed at any time prior to a clinical exam by a dentist. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the engrossed bill, and makes the following changes: Provides that a dental assistant who has completed training and is an expanded function dental assistant may perform coronal scaling only on patients 17 (instead of 12) years of age or younger who have an absence of periodontal disease and who are not medically compromised as allowed under provisions concerning acts constituting the practice of dentistry and intracoronal temporization of a tooth. Restores a provision that provides that coronal sealing shall only be utilized on patients who are eligible for Medicaid, who are uninsured, or whose household income is not greater than 400% (rather than 200%) of the federal poverty level. Provides that an order to a hygienist on which services are necessary to be performed on the patient who is unable to travel to a dental office shall be implemented within 45 (rather than 30) days. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Expands the definition of "public health setting" to include a long-term care facility. Provides that the training program for expanded functions for dental assistants or hygienists must include a minimum of 32 hours of instruction in both didactic and clinical manikin or human subject instruction (rather than a minimum of 16 hours of instruction in both didactic and clinical manikin or human subject instruction). Provides that coronal scaling performed by dental assistants shall be utilized on patients whose household income is not greater that 300% (rather than 400%) of the federal poverty level. Provides that a dental hygienist who is certified as a public health dental hygienist may provide services to patients who are uninsured and whose household income is not greater than 300% (rather than 200%) of the federal poverty level.