05/26/2023
Good morning ☀️
Our LA bill has made another step forward ⏩️ The Senate passed our bill in the early hours this morning. It’s headed to the Governor’s desk to hopefully be signed.🤞🏽
👀 LET’S BREAK THIS DOWN!
After almost a year of collaboration between TDHA and TDA, legislation passed early this morning through the Texas Senate that would allow Texas dental hygienists to administer local infiltration anesthesia. The last step is for Governor Abbott to approve and sign the bill which would then become law. After the legislation is signed by the Governor, the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners will be tasked to write specific rules and educational requirements that will align with the intent of the legislation. This is a lengthy process that can take up to a year.
The rules will then need final approval from the Governor's Office. Please note - this legislation allows dental hygienists to administer local anesthesia under the direct supervision of a dentist via infiltration only to patients who are over the age of 18.
TDHA would like to thank HB 3824 sponsors Chairwoman Stephanie Klick, Senator Bryan Hughes and Senator Cesar Blanco for support of the legislation that will allow dental hygienists to provide compassionate care to Texans.
We would like to thank the TDHA legislative team, Denise Rose, Kate Goodrich, LaRessa Quintana, who have worked tirelessly and persevered through the process.
TDHA leadership for the past year and a half, Annette Smith-Past President, Cathy Nobles-President, Shawna Greer-President-elect, Melissa Terry-Legislative Director, Sandy Tesch-Governmental Affairs Council Co-chair and the entire TDHA Board for their commitment of time and effort. Without all these people working behind the scenes, this historical legislation would not have happened.
👀 Stay tuned as we will update when HB 3824 goes to Governor Abbott's desk!
Let's celebrate this forward momentum for the dental hygiene profession! ☺
