Delaware 153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Status: Passed Senate Bipartisan · 8 D · 1 R cosponsors

SB 283 — AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DENTAL HYGIENE.

Last action — Signed by Governor

Track this bill free

No card. One bill, free forever — alerts when it moves.

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has passed the Senate. Introduced April 16, 2026. It now moves to the second chamber.

Next likely step: consideration and a floor vote in the House.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 74% · high confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

High

How often bills like it became law.

  • Passed Senate

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 11 sponsors

    11 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (8 D · 1 R) — cross-party backing.

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 2 recorded votes so far.

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

In plain language

The bill expands dental hygienists' authority in Delaware to improve access to oral health care.

This Act allows dental hygienists in Delaware to provide more services independently, such as administering fluoride and sealants. This change aims to enhance access to preventive dental care and alleviate provider shortages.

What this means for you
  • Workers: Dental hygienists may experience enhanced job roles and responsibilities, allowing them to utilize their full education and expertise.
  • Consumers: Consumers will have improved access to preventive dental services thanks to expanded roles for dental hygienists.

Summary

This Act expands the scope of practice for dental hygienists in this State. Allowing dental hygienists to use the full range of their education and expertise when providing oral health services will help alleviate provider shortages that make it challenging for Delawareans to obtain dental care. In particular, this Act will help fill gaps in access to preventative oral health care. Oral health is inseparable from overall health, and patients are best served when care is delivered through an integrated, team-based model. Dental hygienists play a vital and respected role in prevention, education, and early identification of disease. A collaborative dental team where each provider practices at the top of their education within a structured system of referral, communication, and accountability ensures patients receive timely preventative services along with accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. This approach strengthens access while preserving the standard of care and protecting the public. This Act grants dental hygienists the authority to do all of the following, in addition to the services they currently provide: 1. Administer and dispense topical agents under the standing order of a dentist providing general supervision. 2. Prescribe, administer, and dispense fluoride under the standing order of a dentist providing general supervision 3. Apply sealants without the need for a dentist to examine a patient beforehand, provided a dentist will see the patient within 12 months of receiving treatment. 4. Engage in dental hygiene assessment and treatment planning within the scope of the authority of a dental hygienist as defined by the Board of Dentistry and Denal Hygiene based on education and experience. 5. Provide direct access to prophylaxis without the need for a dentist to examine a patient beforehand, provided a dentist will see the patient within 12 months of receiving treatment. 6. Directly supervise dental assistants in a manner to be prescribed by the Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

69 added · 15 removed

Plain-language change summary

The amendments to SB 283 update definitions related to dental hygiene, including clarifying what constitutes a "dental hygiene assessment" and "oral prophylaxis." Additionally, the definition of the "practice of dental hygiene" has been expanded to include the administration of local anesthesia and the prescribing, administering, and dispensing of topical agents under specific conditions set by the Board. These changes matter because they specify the scope of practices that dental hygienists can perform, which can influence the training requirements and responsibilities within the dental hygiene profession in Delaware.

→
Previous
Latest
Pinkney DELAWARE STATE SENATE 153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY SENATE AMENDMENT NO.
Pinkney & Rep.
1 TO SENATE BILL NO.
Harris Sens.
283 Amend Senate Bill No.
Hoffner, Huxtable, Wilson;
283 by inserting after line 37 the following:
Reps.
“Section 2.
Berry, Gorman, Morrison, Ortega, Romer, Ross Levin, Snyder-Hall DELAWARE STATE SENATE 153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY SENATE BILL NO.
This Act takes effect immediately and is to be implemented the earlier of the following:
283 AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DENTAL HYGIENE.
(1) 1 year from the date of the Act’s enactment.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:
(2) Notice by the Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene published in the Register of Regulations that the final regulations to implement this Act have been promulgated.”.
Section 1.
SYNOPSIS This Amendment gives the Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene time to develop regulations by providing that the Act must be implemented the earlier of the following:
Amend § 1101, Title 24 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underline as follows and redesignating accordingly:
(1) 1 year from the date of the Act's enactment.
§ 1101.
(2) Notice by the Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene published in the Register of Regulations that the final regulations to implement this Act have been promulgated.
Definitions.
For purposes of this chapter:
(5) “Dental hygiene assessment” means the identification of an individual’s health behaviors, attitudes, and oral health care status and needs for which a dental hygienist is educationally qualified and licensed to provide as defined by the Board.
(14) “Oral prophylaxis” means the supra- and subgingival removal of biofilm, dental calculus, and extrinsic stains from tooth and prosthetic structures to preserve oral health and prevent disease, along with the provision of patient education to promote effective oral hygiene practices and overall oral health.
(14)(16)a.
“Practice of dental hygiene” means the removal of calculus deposits, plaque and stains from all surfaces of the teeth, and making instrumental examinations of the oral cavity, and assembling all necessary information for use by the dentist in diagnosis and treatment planning, and the performance of such prophylactic or preventive measures in the case of teeth, including the application of chemicals to the teeth and periodontal tissues, designed and approved for the prevention of dental caries or periodontal disease, as the Board may authorize.
b.
The “practice of dental hygiene” also includes all of the following:
the administration of 1.
Administering local anesthesia under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist and in accordance with requirements and standards that the Board shall establish by regulation.
The “practice of dental hygiene” does not include any other operation on the teeth or tissues of the mouth.
2.
Prescribing, administering, and dispensing topical agents as follows:
A.
Administering and dispensing topical agents under the standing order of a dentist providing general supervision.
DLS :
KES :
AF Page 1 of 2 Released:
04/16/2026 04:53 PM B.
Prescribing, administering, and dispensing fluoride under the standing order of a dentist providing general supervision.
3.
Applying sealants without the need for an examination by a dentist beforehand, provided the patient will be seen by a dentist within 12 months of receiving treatment.
4.
Engaging in dental hygiene assessment and planning treatment within the scope of the authority of a dental hygienist as defined by the Board based on education and experience.
5.
Providing direct access to prophylaxis without the need for an examination by a dentist beforehand, provided the patient will be seen by a dentist within 12 months of receiving treatment.
6.
Exercising direct supervision of dental assistants as prescribed by regulations that the Board shall adopt.
c.
The “practice of dental hygiene” does not include any other operation on the teeth or tissues of the mouth.
Show all 63 changed rows (23 more)
Previous
Latest
(20) “Topical agents” means non-systemic agents, including topical oral antimicrobial agents, fluoride, and desensitizing agents applied intraorally for the prevention and management of oral disease, for which a dental hygienist is educationally qualified and licensed to provide as defined by the Board.
SYNOPSIS This Act expands the scope of practice for dental hygienists in this State.
Allowing dental hygienists to use the full range of their education and expertise when providing oral health services will help alleviate provider shortages that make it challenging for Delawareans to obtain dental care.
In particular, this Act will help fill gaps in access to preventative oral health care.
Oral health is inseparable from overall health, and patients are best served when care is delivered through an integrated, team-based model.
Dental hygienists play a vital and respected role in prevention, education, and early identification of disease.
A collaborative dental team where each provider practices at the top of their education within a structured system of referral, communication, and accountability ensures patients receive timely preventative services along with accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
This approach strengthens access while preserving the standard of care and protecting the public.
This Act grants dental hygienists the authority to do all of the following, in addition to the services they currently provide:
1.
Administer and dispense topical agents under the standing order of a dentist providing general supervision.
2.
Prescribe, administer, and dispense fluoride under the standing order of a dentist providing general supervision 3.
Apply sealants without the need for a dentist to examine a patient beforehand, provided a dentist will see the patient within 12 months of receiving treatment.
4.
Engage in dental hygiene assessment and treatment planning within the scope of the authority of a dental hygienist as defined by the Board of Dentistry and Denal Hygiene based on education and experience.
5.
Provide direct access to prophylaxis without the need for a dentist to examine a patient beforehand, provided a dentist will see the patient within 12 months of receiving treatment.
6.
Directly supervise dental assistants in a manner to be prescribed by the Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene.
This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.
AF Page 1 of 1 Released:
AF Page 2 of 2 Released:
04/20/2026 05:03 PM 0231530107
04/16/2026 04:53 PM 0231530098
⬇ Download PDF
View plain text versions (2)

Action History

  1. Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 ABSENT

  2. Reported Out of Committee (Sunset Committee (Policy Analysis & Government Accountability)) in House with 5 On Its Merits

  3. Not Worked in Committee

  4. Assigned to Sunset Committee (Policy Analysis & Government Accountability) Committee in House

  5. Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES

  6. Amendment SA 1 to SB 283 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT

  7. Reported Out of Committee (Health & Social Services) in Senate with 4 Favorable, 1 On Its Merits

  8. Amendment SA 1 to SB 283 - Introduced and Placed With Bill

  9. Re-Assigned to Health & Social Services Committee in Senate

  10. Introduced and Assigned to Legislative Oversight & Sunset Committee in Senate

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

Export CSV (upgrade) →

11 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 51 not signed on

Sponsors (11)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (51)

51 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 51 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

SM

Passed 40 Yea · 0 Nay · 1 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democratic 26001
Republican 14000
Total 40001
% of votes cast 98%0%0%2%
How each member voted (41)
Member Party Vote
Alonna Berry Democratic Yea
Claire Snyder-Hall Democratic Yea
Cyndie Romer Democratic Yea
DeShanna U Neal Democratic Yea
Debra Heffernan Democratic Yea
Edward S. Osienski Democratic Yea
Eric Morrison Democratic Yea
Frank Burns Democratic Yea
Franklin D. Cooke Democratic Yea
Josue O Ortega Democratic Yea
Kamela T Smith Democratic Yea
Kendra Johnson Democratic Yea
Kerri Evelyn Harris Democratic Yea
Kimberly Williams Democratic Yea
Krista Griffith Democratic Yea
Larry Lambert Democratic Yea
Madinah Wilson-Anton Democratic Yea
Mara Gorman Democratic Yea
Melanie Ross Levin Democratic Yea
Melissa Minor-Brown Democratic Yea
Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha Democratic Yea
Sean M. Lynn Democratic Yea
Sherae'a Moore Democratic Yea
Sophie Phillips Democratic Not Voting
Stephanie T. Bolden Democratic Yea
William Bush Democratic Yea
William J. Carson Democratic Yea
Bryan W. Shupe Republican Yea
Charles S Postles Jr. Republican Yea
Daniel B. Short Republican Yea
Jeff Hilovsky Republican Yea
Jeffrey N. Spiegelman Republican Yea
Jesse R. Vanderwende Republican Yea
Kevin S Hensley Republican Yea
Lyndon D. Yearick Republican Yea
Michael F. Smith Republican Yea
Richard G. Collins Republican Yea
Ronald E. Gray Republican Yea
Shannon Morris Republican Yea
Timothy D. Dukes Republican Yea
Valerie Jones Giltner Republican Yea

Official roll call →

SM

Passed 21 Yea · 0 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democratic 15000
Republican 6000
Total 21000
% of votes cast 100%0%0%0%
How each member voted (21)
Member Party Vote
Bryan Townsend Democratic Yea
Daniel Cruce Democratic Yea
Darius J. Brown Democratic Yea
David P. Sokola Democratic Yea
John "Jack" Walsh Democratic Yea
Kyra L. Hoffner Democratic Yea
Laura V. Sturgeon Democratic Yea
Marie Pinkney Democratic Yea
Nicole Poore Democratic Yea
Ray Seigfried Democratic Yea
Russell Huxtable Democratic Yea
S. Elizabeth Lockman Democratic Yea
Spiros Mantzavinos Democratic Yea
Stephanie L. Hansen Democratic Yea
Trey Paradee Democratic Yea
Brian Pettyjohn Republican Yea
Bryant L. Richardson Republican Yea
Dave G. Lawson Republican Yea
David L. Wilson Republican Yea
Eric Buckson Republican Yea
Gerald W. Hocker Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

healthcare health-insurance
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

What does SB 283 do?
This Act expands the scope of practice for dental hygienists in this State. Allowing dental hygienists to use the full range of their education and expertise when providing oral health services will help alleviate provider shortages that make it challenging for Delawareans to obtain dental care. In particular, this Act will help fill gaps in access to preventative oral health care. Oral health is inseparable from overall health, and patients are best served when care is delivered through an integrated, team-based model. Dental hygienists play a vital and respected role in prevention, education, and early identification of disease. A collaborative dental team where each provider practices at the top of their education within a structured system of referral, communication, and accountability ensures patients receive timely preventative services along with accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. This approach strengthens access while preserving the standard of care and protecting the public. This Act grants dental hygienists the authority to do all of the following, in addition to the services they currently provide: 1. Administer and dispense topical agents under the standing order of a dentist providing general supervision. 2. Prescribe, administer, and dispense fluoride under the standing order of a dentist providing general supervision 3. Apply sealants without the need for a dentist to examine a patient beforehand, provided a dentist will see the patient within 12 months of receiving treatment. 4. Engage in dental hygiene assessment and treatment planning within the scope of the authority of a dental hygienist as defined by the Board of Dentistry and Denal Hygiene based on education and experience. 5. Provide direct access to prophylaxis without the need for a dentist to examine a patient beforehand, provided a dentist will see the patient within 12 months of receiving treatment. 6. Directly supervise dental assistants in a manner to be prescribed by the Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.
Who sponsors SB 283?
SB 283 is sponsored by Stell Parker Selby, Melanie Ross Levin, Cyndie Romer (Democratic), Josue O Ortega (Democratic), Eric Morrison (Democratic), Mara Gorman (Democratic), David L. Wilson (Republican), Russell Huxtable (Democratic), Claire Snyder-Hall (Democratic), Kerri Evelyn Harris (Democratic), and Marie Pinkney (Democratic).
What is the current status of SB 283?
This bill has passed the Senate. Introduced April 16, 2026. It now moves to the second chamber.
Where can I track SB 283?
Track SB 283 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

Make your voice heard on SB 283

Find the representatives who decide this bill and tell them where you stand — for yourself, or mobilize your whole list in one click with One Click Politics advocacy software.

Find my representatives → Run a campaign

Stay ahead of SB 283

Last checked for changes about 2 months ago · updated continuously

One Click Politics tracks every bill in Congress and all 50 states.

Track this bill →