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Proposal Would Let Hygienists Do Dentists' Work

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Feb 26, 2008 8:54 am US/Central

Proposal Would Let Hygienists Do Dentists' Work

ST. PAUL (WCCO) ― For most of us, a trip to the dentist doesn't involve much time with the dentist. And soon we may soon see them even less.

A proposal right now at the State Capitol would allow hygienists to do more than just scraping and cleaning.

As a dental hygienist in training and working on her master's degree, Deb Merrigan hopes that she will be able to drill minor fillings, remove teeth and carry out other procedures only dentists are currently allowed to perform.

"I would be able to fill in places, and in rural community settings that dentists aren't willing to go out to meet the population," said Merrigan.

Many dentistry students at Normandale Community College said they would like to achieve the higher-level hygienist status, comparing the position to that of a nurse practitioner or a physician's assistant in medicine.

The Minnesota Dental Association disagrees.

"It is dangerous. They're asking to do procedures such as simple fillings, simple extractions, a procedure called a pulpotomy, which is a type of a root canal procedure," said Dr. Jamie Sledd, president of the MDA.

Hygienists have countered, in front of a House committee, that the real danger is letting those who are underserved to go without proper dental care until such time that emergencies require more drastic procedures.

According to hygienists, a similar but not identical program exists in Alaska as well as 40 other countries, including Canada.

The House committee voted in favor of the hygienists Monday evening, but it is only the first step. The proposal has another House committee in its future.


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