Delaware Passes Bill Expanding Dental Hygienists’ Scope of Practice
Senate Bill 283 authorizes Delaware dental hygienists to provide additional preventive services, expand access to care, and practice more fully within their education and training under a collaborative model.
Delaware is poised to significantly expand the role of dental hygienists following passage of Senate Bill 283, legislation designed to improve access to preventive oral healthcare by allowing dental hygienists to practice more fully within their education and clinical training. Having passed both chambers of the General Assembly unanimously, the bill now awaits the governor’s signature.
The legislation reflects a growing national trend toward expanding the dental hygiene workforce to address provider shortages and improve access to routine preventive care. The bill emphasizes a collaborative, team-based model in which dental hygienists provide preventive services while maintaining structured referral pathways, communication, and accountability with supervising dentists.
Among its most significant provisions, Senate Bill 283 authorizes dental hygienists to administer and dispense topical agents under a standing order from a dentist providing general supervision. Dental hygienists will also be permitted to prescribe, administer, and dispense fluoride under standing orders, further streamlining preventive treatment for patients.
The legislation removes another long-standing barrier by allowing dental hygienists to place dental sealants without a prior examination by a dentist, provided the patient receives a dental examination within 12 months of treatment. Similarly, dental hygienists will be authorized to provide direct-access prophylaxis without a prior dental examination under the same 12-month requirement.
In addition, the bill formally recognizes the dental hygienist’s role in dental hygiene assessment and treatment planning within parameters established by the Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene. Dental hygienists will also gain authority to directly supervise dental assistants as prescribed by board regulations.
Supporters say these changes will help reduce delays in preventive care, improve access for underserved communities, and allow dentists to focus on more complex diagnostic and restorative procedures while hygienists practice at the top of their licenses. Click here to read more.
