The bill amends various sections of the Florida Statutes to enhance the practice and regulation of dental therapy, including the establishment of a Council on Dental Therapy under the Board of Dentistry. It authorizes Medicaid to reimburse for dental services provided in mobile dental units affiliated with health access settings, thereby expanding access to dental care for Medicaid recipients. Key provisions include requirements for dental therapists to complete continuing education, the ability for applicants to retake specific parts of the dental therapy examination, and the introduction of collaborative management agreements between dental therapists and supervising dentists. The bill also establishes criminal penalties for practicing dental therapy without a license and revises grounds for disciplinary action.

Additionally, the bill specifies that dental therapists must complete training in basic or advanced cardiac life support before administering local anesthesia and outlines the responsibilities of supervising dentists. It prohibits individuals from representing themselves as dental therapists without an active license and expands the grounds for disciplinary action against dental professionals related to dental therapy violations. The Department of Health, in collaboration with relevant agencies, is mandated to submit progress and final reports on the implementation of dental therapy training programs and Medicaid reimbursement by specified deadlines. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 82 Filed: 409.906, 466.001, 466.004, 466.006, 466.009, 466.011, 466.016, 466.018, 466.026