The bill CS/CS/HB 21 2025 amends various sections of Florida Statutes to establish and regulate dental therapy within the state, aiming to enhance access to dental care for Medicaid recipients by allowing reimbursement for services provided in mobile dental units. It introduces definitions for "dental therapist" and "dental therapy," and creates a new Council on Dental Therapy under the Board of Dentistry to oversee the practice. The bill outlines licensure requirements, including continuing education for dental therapists, and specifies the responsibilities of supervising dentists. Key provisions include the requirement for dental therapists to notify the Board of Dentistry about adverse incidents and maintain treatment records, while emphasizing that dentists remain primarily responsible for patient care.

Additionally, the bill modifies the licensure process for dental professionals, including provisions for reexamination and continuing education, and establishes a certification process for dental therapists. It allows dental therapists to perform a range of procedures under the supervision of a dentist, including nonsurgical extractions and emergency treatments, contingent upon a written collaborative management agreement. The bill also includes penalties for practicing dental therapy without a license and mandates the Department of Health to report on the implementation of dental therapy training programs and licensing by specified deadlines. Overall, the legislation aims to improve the regulatory framework for dental practices in Florida, ensuring patient safety and enhancing the quality of dental care.

Statutes affected:
H 21 Filed: 409.906, 466.001, 466.004, 466.006, 466.011, 466.016, 466.018, 466.026, 921.0022
H 21 c1: 409.906, 466.001, 466.004, 466.006, 466.009, 466.011, 466.016, 466.017, 466.018, 466.026, 921.0022
H 21 c2: 466.001, 466.004, 466.006, 466.009, 466.011, 466.016, 466.017, 466.018, 466.026, 921.0022