House Bill 363 amends various sections of the Florida Statutes to enhance the regulation and practice of dental therapy. Key provisions include authorizing Medicaid reimbursement for dental services provided in mobile dental units operated by health access settings, establishing a new Council on Dental Therapy under the Board of Dentistry, and mandating continuing education for dental therapists. The bill allows dental therapists to perform specific duties under the general supervision of a dentist, while emphasizing the supervising dentist's responsibility for the treatment provided. It also outlines application and licensure requirements for dental therapists, including provisions for disciplinary actions and the stipulation that only licensed dentists can employ dental therapists in a dental office.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions for dental hygienists and dental therapists, allowing them to administer local anesthesia under certain conditions, and clarifies the responsibilities of the dentist of record. It establishes a framework for dental therapy practice, including the requirement for written collaborative management agreements between dental therapists and supervising dentists. The bill also increases 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 Medicaid reimbursement by specified deadlines. Overall, HB 363 aims to improve access to dental care while ensuring patient safety and regulatory compliance in Florida's dental practices.

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