Kansas Health Institute reports HB 2280 to allow for expanded functions for dental hygienists is dead. No big surprise here after lawmakers decided to let corporate dental mills to operate in the state last week. There is a lot of controversy on this issue, each side having legitimate points. But I feel the controversy probably wasn't the issue on this one, it was corporate dentistry being allowed to come out of the shadows and set up shop in Kansas. Corporate dental companies have deep pockets and lots of money to spread around. Of course they do, it's taxpayer money they are spreading since most of the money flowing into the coffers is Medicaid dollars, your tax dollars.
Anyone want to bet some conversations somewhere talked about NOT allowing hygienists to have expanded functions, to make Comfort Dental happy? Maybe Comfort Dental twisted more than a few arms to make sure HB 2208 died. I wonder if those dentists who opposed expanded services for hygienists wish they had taken another stance, now they have corporate dental mills rolling in. I bet they think the mills won't cut into their income since they will treat mostly the poor, so far that's not the way it's played out in other states. I guess we will all see won't we. I know one thing, I would rather a skilled plumber provide my dental care than a dentist under the thumb of some CEO who needs a new jet. What about you?
By
Mike Shields
KHI News Service
Originally published Feb. 17, 2011 at 9:07 p.m., updated Feb. 18, 2011 at 1:52 p.m.
TOPEKA — A controversial bill to allow specially trained dental hygienists to provide more tooth care to patients was heard today in the House Health and Human Services Committee.
But that may be the end of it for this year. House Bill 2280 will not be voted upon by the committee, the chairperson said following the hearing, which was split into two sessions, the second ending about 7:30 p.m.
"It's the first year for it. There's lots of questions, lots of concerns," about the proposal, said Rep. Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican.
Her decision to hold the bill is a setback for its proponents because of looming legislative deadlines that limit ways they now can push the measure forward. The bill, sought by a coalition that includes children's advocates and the state's 39 safety-net clinics, met stiff opposition from Kansas dentists.
New provider class
It would create a new class of dental care provider called a Registered Dental Practitioner. Already licensed hygienists with an additional 18 months of focused training could qualify for the new license, should the bill become law.
Supporters said the new "mid-level practitioners," would... more
