Sound oral health is an important element of overall health, yet most people in Utah find it hard to access. To expand its outreach, the state is considering to expand its workforce, especially dental hygienists who perform generic oral health care services. The government of Utah allows only a authorized dental hygienist to implement oral health hygiene on patients in a public setting (Utah department of health). Prior to examining a patient for dental hygiene, the practitioner gets a written agreement signed stating that
Dental examination will be conducted in a public health setting
Dentist will be available for communication via e-mail, phone or in person
If needed, the dental hygienist might refer patients with an advanced dental need which is beyond the scope of practice of the hygienist
A dental hygienist in Utah can provide dental health care services within the range of dental hygiene practice as provided by Utah law except nitrous oxide and local anesthesia treatment, in the absence of a dentist (Utah department of health).
As part of the public health care, dentists in Utah keep track of the following factors in order to present a clear picture of dental workforce practicing in public health settings:
Oral care information
Insurance
Age of population
Regularity
Home care
At present, Utah Medicaid has no law for direct reimbursement to a dental practitioner. All dental practitioners working in a public health setting should establish their personally owned liability insurance. A lot of private insurance companies (not all) generally pay back dental hygienists. A few of them reimburse patients, but do not pay the dental practitioner directly while some others will have other limitations to reimburse options (Utah department of health).
References
Oral health status among Utah children. In Utah department of health. Retrieved June, 2006, from https://ibis.health.utah.gov/pdf/opha/publication/hsu/2006/06Jun_OralHealth.pdf
