Texas to Allow Dental Hygienists to Administer Local Anesthesia

Only two states —Texas and Delaware — do not include the administration of local anesthesia in the scope of practice for dental hygienists. Now, Delaware is very close to being the only one, as the Texas state legislature passed a bill, HB 3824, enabling dental hygienists to administer local infiltration anesthesia under the direct supervision of a dentist in patients over 18. The bill is now awaiting the signature of Texas Governor Abbott. If approved by the governor, the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners will create rules and requirements for those dental hygienists who wish to administer local anesthesia to their patients. Click here to read more.