Ga. MLP bill fails

A Georgia midlevel provider (MLP) bill that would have allowed dental hygienists to provide preventive care without the direct supervision of a dentist failed to make it to a vote.

Because of support from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Georgia Dental Association, many thought the bill would pass. However, the Georgia House of Representative's Rules Committee blocked the bill, HB 684, on February 29, according to an Albany Herald news article.

The main sponsor of the bill, Rep. Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta), was quoted in the article as saying the bill would have allowed more access to care and in a manner that respected patient safety.

"I'm disappointed and confused that the Dental Association changed their stance on this," Martin stated.

Currently, Georgia has a direct supervision requirement that limits dental hygienists to providing preventive care in places where a dentist is physically present. Nearly 150 Georgia locations are federal dental care health professional shortage areas, and, according to the FTC, only 27% of people in those areas who need to see a dentist can get care. Bill supporters were hoping the bill could alleviate help some of these people get treatment, reducing treatment costs and saving money for government programs.