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Bill Summary · HB 321

Legislative bill overview

HB 321 revises Montana's regulations governing the supervised practice of dental hygienists, modifying licensing, scope of practice, or supervision requirements for these professionals. The bill has completed the legislative process and was signed by the Governor on April 3, 2025, becoming law.

Why is this important

Dental hygienist regulations directly affect patient access to preventive dental care and the efficiency of dental practices. Changes to supervision requirements or scope of practice can expand or limit where and how dental hygienists can provide services, impacting both rural healthcare access and the dental workforce.

Potential points of contention

  • Supervision level changes: Whether the bill reduces, maintains, or increases dentist supervision requirements affects practice independence and potential liability considerations
  • Scope of practice expansion: If the bill allows hygienists to perform additional procedures independently, dentists may oppose this as encroaching on their professional domain
  • Rural vs. urban impact: Regulatory changes may disproportionately benefit or burden rural areas depending on whether they address workforce shortages or supervision accessibility

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

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