The Utah Legislature recently passed a bill allowing hygienists to practice at hospitals without general supervision from a dentist.
Hygienists in Utah are currently authorized to practice in certain public health settings without dentist supervision, including residences, schools, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, community health centers, FQHCs and mobile dental health programs.
House Bill 414 modifies the definition of public health setting to include a hospital, allowing hygienists to practice at these facilities independently.
If signed by Governor Spencer Cox, the bill would go into effect May 6.