House Bill 363 amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance the regulation and practice of dental therapy. The bill authorizes Medicaid reimbursement for dental services provided in mobile dental units operated by health access settings and introduces the role of dental therapists, defining their practice and establishing licensure requirements, including continuing education. A new Council on Dental Therapy will be appointed by the Board of Dentistry to oversee the practice, and the bill outlines the responsibilities of dental therapists, such as administering local anesthesia and performing certain duties under the general supervision of a dentist. It also emphasizes that the supervising dentist remains primarily responsible for patient care and includes provisions for reporting adverse incidents and collaborative management agreements.

Additionally, the bill modifies the licensure process for dental therapists and dentists, specifying continuing education requirements and clarifying the responsibilities of dental professionals. It introduces a written collaborative management agreement that dental therapists must enter into with supervising dentists before performing certain services. The bill also establishes penalties for practicing dental therapy without a proper license and reinforces that only licensed dental professionals may operate a dental office. Overall, HB 363 aims to expand access to dental care while ensuring safety and quality standards in the practice of dental therapy, alongside enhancing the regulatory framework for dental professionals in Florida.

Statutes affected:
H 363 Filed: 409.906, 466.001, 466.004, 466.006, 466.009, 466.011, 466.016, 466.017, 466.018, 466.026, 466.0285, 921.0022