Concerns over proposed changes to dental hygienist licensure standards dominated the Joint Meeting of the Senate and Assembly Committee on Health and Human Services in Nevada on May 26, 2025. The discussion centered on sections 77 through 79 of Bill 495, which suggest alternate pathways for becoming a licensed dental hygienist.

Brenda Rosales, a recent graduate from dental hygiene school, passionately opposed the bill, emphasizing the rigorous training required to become a hygienist. "We didn't just learn how to clean teeth," she stated, highlighting the extensive education in critical thinking, patient assessments, pharmacology, and pathology that hygienists undergo. Rosales warned that lowering the standards could jeopardize public health, particularly in early detection of conditions like oral cancer.

Another speaker echoed these concerns, arguing that the proposed changes would dilute the quality of care provided to Nevadans. They stressed that dental hygienists possess specialized skills that are distinct from those of dentists and dental assistants, particularly in preventative care. The speaker cautioned that removing current accreditation requirements could lead to significant gaps in training and patient safety.

The committee's deliberations reflect a critical moment for dental hygiene standards in Nevada, with advocates urging lawmakers to maintain rigorous educational requirements to protect public health. As discussions continue, the implications of these proposed changes remain a pressing concern for both professionals and patients alike.