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SD 1703

An Act relative to the sustainability of public health dental hygienists through adequate reimbursements

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Sal DiDomenico and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill to improve dental hygienist reimbursement rates in public health settings to support workforce retention and expand preventive care access.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 1703

Legislative bill overview

SD 1703 seeks to establish or improve reimbursement rates for dental hygienists working in public health settings in Massachusetts. The bill aims to address compensation challenges that may affect the recruitment and retention of qualified dental hygienists in public dental health programs, potentially including community health centers and safety-net dental providers.

Why is this important

Adequate compensation for dental hygienists directly impacts access to preventive dental care for vulnerable populations who rely on public health dental services. Insufficient reimbursement rates can lead to workforce shortages, reduced clinic hours, and delayed care for low-income residents. This bill addresses a potential market gap where public health dental positions are less competitive than private-sector alternatives.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding source: Determining how increased reimbursements will be funded—whether through state budget allocations, insurance program expansions, or fee adjustments—and the overall fiscal impact on state finances
  • Defining "adequate" reimbursement: Disagreement over what constitutes fair compensation and whether rates should match private-sector standards or reflect public health sector economics
  • Scope and eligibility: Uncertainty about which dental hygienists and facilities qualify (community health centers only, all safety-net providers, etc.) and whether rates apply uniformly across regions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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