MississippiHB 4312026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Dental hygienists; those employed by SDH or making educational demonstrations may practice under general supervision.

Sponsored By: Kevin Felsher (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Public Health and Human ServicesPublic Health and Welfare

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Easier school dental screenings for kids

Hygienists who work for the State Board of Health or public school boards can give oral health instruction and screenings under general supervision without the usual extra rules. They may also apply fluoride varnish as part of those screenings. Hygienists recognized by the Board can make public education demonstrations under general supervision without meeting the other general‑supervision conditions.

Hygiene-only dental clinics are banned

Independent dental-hygiene-only practices are not allowed. A hygienist must work under a supervising dentist. Offices that only provide dental hygiene services cannot be opened or run.

Hygienists can treat without dentist present

Licensed hygienists with 5+ years in Mississippi (or 6,000 hours), current CPR, and a written dentist protocol can treat patients of record without the dentist in the office. They can clean teeth, take X-rays, and place fluoride varnish. The dentist must have examined the patient in the last 7 months, and the patient is told the dentist will be absent. Care can run up to 10 business days at a time; nitrous oxide and local anesthesia still need direct dentist supervision. Only dentist‑owned offices or qualifying nonprofit grantees may use this setup, and a dentist may oversee at most three hygienists. General supervision is capped at 24 days a year, patients cannot be seen twice in a row this way, and no exam fee may be charged. Patients must be 18 or older and ASA Class I or II. The Board may also allow this model in nursing homes and jails when these rules are followed.

Who counts as a licensed hygienist

The law defines a dental hygienist as someone who finished an accredited hygiene program, passed the national board, and is licensed in Mississippi to do preventive care like scaling and polishing.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Kevin Felsher
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Rodney Hall
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 292 • No: 0

House vote • 2/9/2026

Concurred in Amend From Senate

Yes: 120 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/4/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 52 • No: 0

House vote • 1/21/2026

Passed