To authorize the Secretary of Health to create 5 pilot projects in dentally underserved areas of the state whereby dental hygienists are authorized to practice without the supervision of a dentist. Dental hygienists participating in the pilot projects will not perform injections of anesthetic agents, administer nitrous oxide, or give a diagnosis for dental treatment. See companion HB 2816.   Official Text and Analysis.

To direct the Secretary of the Department of Health to designate dentally underserved areas of the state, patients seen in this pilot program will be referred to a dentist as needed, the pilot programs will measure changes in access to dental care and the Department of Health will establish a task force to make recommendations regarding improvements to oral health services to dentally underserved children and adults in Washington.

To add experience requirements for dental hygienists applying for the pilot project registry and provides some clarifying technical language agreed to by the Department of Health. S AMD 80.