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SB 131

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ALLOWING DENTAL HYGIENISTS TO ADMINISTER LOCAL ANESTHESIA.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Frank Cooke and 7 co-sponsors

Delaware authorizes dental hygienists to administer local anesthesia, expanding their clinical scope to increase patient access and potentially reduce dental care costs.

Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · SB 131

Legislative bill overview

SB 131 amends Delaware's dental practice laws to permit licensed dental hygienists to administer local anesthesia to patients during dental procedures. Previously, this task was restricted to dentists only. The bill became law in August 2025 after passing both chambers with broad support and receiving gubernatorial approval.

Why is this important

This change affects patient access and dental care delivery by potentially reducing wait times and costs, as hygienists can now perform anesthetic injections under appropriate supervision. It also impacts the dental workforce by expanding scope of practice for hygienists, who typically earn less than dentists and may see improved job prospects and compensation in some settings.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice expansion: Traditional dental professional organizations may have concerns about hygienists performing functions previously reserved for dentists, questioning whether additional training requirements are specified or enforced
  • Patient safety and oversight: Questions about supervision standards—whether hygienists must work directly under dentist oversight or have more independent authority, and what liability frameworks apply
  • Economic impact: Dentists may view this as competitive pressure on their profession, while patient advocates and hygienists may support it as a cost-reduction and access-improvement measure

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

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