Texas Bill Might Stop You From Drinking At The Dentist

If you've ever knocked back a drink or two at the dentist, you aren't alone — some dental offices offer patients complimentary drinks to help take the edge off from dentist anxieties or for parents waiting during their child's appointment. However, this health care happy hour may come to an end in Texas with a proposed bill (SB404) which aims to prohibit the health care amenity.

Recently, a committee voted to move forward with the bill and called the practice "appalling" and "irresponsible," The Dallas Morning News reported.

"There's nothing in the code that prevents you from doing this, but I think it's a line that we can't cross," Texas state Senator Lois Kolkhorst said.

The Texas Dental Association supports the bill. Being under the influence of alcohol can not only potentially cause medical complications, but can also interfere with consenting to treatments, Dr. Matthew Roberts, chair of the group's council on legislative and regulatory affairs, told The Dallas Morning News.