All Roll Calls
Yes: 296 • No: 2
MontanaHB 32169th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House
Generally revise laws related to the supervised practice of dental hygienists
Sponsored By: Nelly Nicol (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Health Care ServicesHealthProfessions and Occupations GenerallyProfessions and Occupations A-DRule Making
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
More preventive dental care at schools and clinics
Licensed dental hygienists can give preventive care in public health clinics and school programs without a dentist present. Allowed services include removing deposits and stains, topical fluoride, sealants, and polishing restorations. They may also do root planing, oral cancer screening, X-rays, and chart care. They have limited prescription authority allowed by state law. A school-based oral health program is run through school administration or school health services. The Board of Dentistry can add more qualifying programs and sites.
Rules and limits for hygienists in public programs
Hygienists must hold a limited access permit to work under public health supervision. Care under that permit is only for patients in qualifying facilities or eligible students. They must be elderly, infirm, disabled, or unable to afford regular dental care. Hygienists must refer needs outside their scope to a licensed dentist. They must follow treatment guidelines the Board of Dentistry adopts. Some services are not allowed in these settings. Banned items include local anesthesia, soft denture relines, and temporary restorations, and any other service the law bans.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Nelly Nicol
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Bruce "Butch" Gillespie
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/18/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 49 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/17/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 50 • No: 0
House vote • 2/6/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 98 • No: 1
House vote • 2/5/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 99 • No: 1
Actions Timeline
Chapter Number Assigned
4/3/2025HouseSigned by Governor
4/3/2025HouseTransmitted to Governor
3/25/2025HouseSigned by President
3/24/2025SenateSigned by Speaker
3/21/2025HouseReturned from Enrolling
3/19/2025HouseSent to Enrolling
3/18/2025House3rd Reading
3/18/2025Senate2nd Reading
3/17/2025SenateCommittee Report
2/24/2025SenateCommittee Executive Action
2/24/2025SenateHearing
2/15/2025SenateReferred to Committee
2/14/2025Senate1st Reading
2/7/2025SenateTransmitted to Senate
2/6/2025House3rd Reading
2/6/2025House2nd Reading
2/5/2025HouseCommittee Report
1/31/2025HouseCommittee Executive Action
1/31/2025HouseCommittee Executive Action
1/31/2025HouseHearing
1/28/2025House1st Reading
1/28/2025HouseReferred to Committee
1/28/2025HouseIntroduced
1/27/2025House
Bill Text
As Amended (Version 2)
3/19/2025
Enrolled
3/19/2025
Introduced
1/27/2025
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