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6/4/2026
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Assembly approves bill enabling Medicare reimbursement of public health dental hygienists
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STATE HOUSE – The General Assembly today approved legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Hanna M. Gallo and Rep. Justine Caldwell to improve oral health among vulnerable Rhode Islanders by expanding reimbursement eligibility for public health dental hygienists. The bill now goes to the governor.
Rhode Island created a new licensure category for public health dental hygienists a decade ago, allowing hygienists licensed as such to provide services to patients in community settings, such as schools, long-term care facilities and homes. Public health dental hygienists made dental preventive care and early intervention available to many of those who might otherwise not have access to it.
But currently their services are reimbursable only through Medicaid and insurance plans purchased through HealthSource RI.
This legislation, (2026-S 2878, 2026-H 7837), which the lawmakers introduced at the request of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), would enable Medicare and commercial insurance plans to reimburse their services.
“Public health hygienists are a phenomenal resource because they go to people who can’t get into a dental office, including people with mobility or other challenges. Of course people on Medicare, which serves the older population and people with disabilities, should be able to use their services,” said Senator Gallo (D-Dist. 27, Cranston, West Warwick). “Dental hygiene affects more than just oral health; it affects overall health. This change will enable many of the most vulnerable Rhode Islanders to maintain good dental hygiene and identify issues that need intervention before they become serious. It will ultimately improve their health and save money.”
Said Representative Caldwell (D-Dist. 30, East Greenwich, West Greenwich), “Medicare recipients might be the folks who need public health hygienists most of all, since many people who have serious mobility issues that would serve as roadblocks to care rely on Medicare. This is a welcome change that will make good dental health and preventive care more accessible to more Rhode Islanders.”
The legislation has the support of EOHHS, the Department of Health, the Rhode Island Dental Hygienists Association, the Rhode Island Oral Health Coalition and the Rhode Island Health Center Association.
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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