Governor Keating vetos dental hygienists bill

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- A bill vetoed by the governor would have let dental hygienists provide care in nursing homes without the supervision of a dentist. <br><br>Governor Keating says he supports increasing

Saturday, June 8th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- A bill vetoed by the governor would have let dental hygienists provide care in nursing homes without the supervision of a dentist.

Governor Keating says he supports increasing access to dental care for nursing home patients.

But he says he doesn't want to compromise the quality of care they receive.

Supporters of the bill said preventive dental care often isn't available for nursing home residents and that the measure would help provide care for an underserved population.

Opponents said the measure might be the first step in allowing dental hygienists to open businesses that are independent of state dentists.