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 care for Medicaid recipients. Key provisions include the requirement for dental therapists to complete a specified number of continuing education hours, the establishment of collaborative management agreements between dental therapists and supervising dentists, and the clarification of dentists' responsibilities regarding patient care. The bill also introduces penalties for practicing dental therapy without a license and revises the grounds for disciplinary action.

Additionally, the bill modifies licensure requirements for dental therapists and dentists, including provisions for reexamination and acceptance of out-of-state examination scores. It mandates that dental therapists administer local anesthesia under direct supervision, provided they have completed necessary training and hold current certification in basic or advanced cardiac life support. The legislation also prohibits individuals from representing themselves as dental therapists without an active license and requires the Department of Health to report on the implementation of dental therapy training programs and Medicaid reimbursement. 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