The bill CS/CS/HB 21 2025 amends Florida Statutes to establish and regulate dental therapy, expanding access to dental care by allowing Medicaid 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. It also allows dental therapists to perform various procedures under a collaborative management agreement with a supervising dentist, ensuring that patient care remains a shared responsibility.

Additionally, the bill revises existing regulations related to dental practice, emphasizing the importance of training and certification for dental professionals, particularly in administering anesthesia. It establishes a framework for the licensing process of dental therapists, including background screening and educational requirements, and clarifies the penalties for practicing without a license. The bill mandates progress reports from the Department of Health regarding the implementation of dental therapy programs, with the aim of assessing the impact on patient access and quality of care. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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