SB 277 Summary

• Allows dentists to practice under a new "community health license" at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and government-operated dental clinics after meeting educational requirements and passing National Board and Delaware jurisprudence exams, without requiring the Delaware practical exam if they pass a nationally-recognized regional dental board exam.

• Modifies the State Dental Director requirement to allow individuals with a community health license or another jurisdiction's license to serve in the position, in addition to those with a Delaware dental license.

• Reorganizes dental licensing examination requirements to clarify separate pathways for dentists and dental hygienists, with specific examination components for each profession.

• Establishes a Dental Care Access Task Force with 30+ members to examine and recommend solutions for dental care access, licensure practices, provider scope of practice, recruitment and retention strategies, and insurance coverage by February 1, 2023.

• Adds a federally qualified health center representative to the Delaware Institute for Dental Education and Research Board and requires FQHCs to report on retention and recruitment outcomes one year after the law takes effect.