The bill CS/CS/HB 21 2025 amends Florida Statutes to establish and regulate dental therapy, expanding 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 mandates the creation of a Council on Dental Therapy 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 of adverse incidents and maintain treatment records, while emphasizing that dentists remain primarily responsible for patient care.

Additionally, the bill expands the scope of practice for dental therapists, allowing them to perform various procedures under a written collaborative management agreement with a supervising dentist. It establishes penalties for unauthorized practice and ensures that only licensed dental professionals may operate dental offices. The legislation also mandates the Department of Health to submit progress reports on the implementation of dental therapy training programs and licensing, assessing the impact on patient access and quality of care. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, aiming to enhance dental care delivery while maintaining regulatory oversight and public safety.

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