The most effective way to help make sure Wisconsin families get the oral health care they need is to make it easier for them to see a dentist or another oral health care professional. The “Healthy Choices” legislation described here is at the center of WDA’s mission to reduce barriers to oral health care for all in Wisconsin.

Bill name and status: Definition of Dentistry and Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) legislation. The WDA has reviewed the draft and submitted slight changes to the Legislative Reference Bureau. Formal introduction and circulation for legislative co-sponsors has yet to occur.

Objectives:

• Update state’s definition of dentistry by adopting the American Dental Association definition, which allows for new treatment options and services based on the latest scientific and technological advances.
• Enable delegation of more duties – such as placing sealants, finishing fillings and removing sutures – to EFDAs (those dental hygienists or assistants who receive specific education and training and are certified by the state as EFDAs) under the supervision and direction of a licensed, practicing dentist.
  

Benefits:

• Allows Wisconsin residents to benefit from the latest oral health advancements.
• Expands the capacity of Wisconsin dental clinics and professionals to efficiently and cost-effectively deliver care to more patients, including more Medicaid patients if the practice is currently a MA provider.
• Enhances citizens’ ability to access treatment while maintaining a critical link to regular oral health care through a licensed, practicing dentist.

Other facts:

• Dentist would be responsible for all procedures delegated to an EFDA. Dentist must remain on-site, be available to patient throughout procedure and check and verify procedure’s successful completion.
• Once passed by Legislature, DEB determines details of EFDA course curriculum and certification requirements.
• Minimal fiscal impact on state budget.

Lead authors in Legislature:

State Assembly

Rep. Michelle Litjens (R-Oshkosh)

State Senate

Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine)

How to help:

• Invite your legislators to sign on as co-sponsors of the bill.
• Encourage your state legislators to protect this bill’s key objectives during review and then to vote “yes” for prompt passage.
• Join the WDA Healthy Choices coalition and help provide a wide base of support for this EFDA legislation. 

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