Gov. Sam Brownback has signed a law that expands the types of work that dental hygienists will be allowed to do.

The new law will allow dental hygienists to perform such tasks as pulling baby teeth, teeth cleaning and providing temporary fillings.

The bill was designed to address a shortage of dentists in Kansas, particularly in rural areas. But critics say it doesn’t go far enough.

The bill also requires the Board of Regents to add more slots for Kansas residents at the University of Missouri-Kansas City dental school. Those students would be required to work in underserved areas of Kansas for at least four years after graduation.

Kansas does not have a dental school.