Kentucky Tables Assistant Scaling Proposal as Practice Act Moves Forward Without Controversial Language

In Kentucky, a closely watched proposal that would have expanded the scope of dental assistants to include supragingival scaling has been formally removed from the dental practice act, marking a notable moment in the ongoing workforce debate. Dentists supporting the measure had viewed it as a potential response to access-to-care challenges and staffing shortages, but strong opposition from organized dental hygiene ultimately reshaped the outcome.

The Kentucky Dental Hygienists’ Association (KYDHA) actively opposed the proposed language, arguing that allowing dental assistants to scale supragingivally, even with limitations, did not adequately protect patient safety or uphold established standards of preventive care. The organization maintained that scaling is a core preventive service requiring the education, clinical training, and licensure specific to dental hygienists.

As discussions progressed within the Kentucky Board of Dentistry (BOD), concerns were raised during public meetings about quality of care, regulatory precedent, and whether the proposal addressed the root causes of access-to-care barriers. These concerns led the BOD to vote to table the assistant-scaling proposal and return it to committee for further review. Subsequently, the practice act moved forward with the language permitting assistants to scale removed entirely.

The debate highlighted deeper divisions about how best to address workforce shortages. While some policymakers and committee members cited rising wages for dental hygienists and staffing gaps as justification for expanding assistant duties, KYDHA advocated for expanding opportunities for licensed dental hygienists to practice in underserved or remote areas with reduced supervision requirements, an approach that was not taken up by the committee at this time.