FL S0446

Expands definition of "health access setting" to include school-based prevention programs, nonprofit community health centers, Head Start centers, federally qualified health centers, accredited college dental clinics, and accredited dental hygiene programs.

Authorizes dental hygienists to perform specified remediable tasks in health access settings without dentist supervision or authorization, including dental charting, vital signs measurement, fluoride application, dental sealants, and calculus removal (subject to medical clearance and 13-month follow-up dental exam requirement).

Requires dental hygienists performing unsupervised tasks to provide written disclaimer that services do not substitute for comprehensive dental exams and diagnosis by a dentist, maintain malpractice insurance with minimum $100,000 per occurrence/$300,000 aggregate limits, provide dental referrals, and encourage establishment of dental homes.

Allows health access settings and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to bill for and receive reimbursement for services provided by dental hygienists under this legislation.

Clarifies that dental hygienists may not perform root planing or gingival curettage without dentist supervision, and updates references to health access settings throughout dentistry licensing provisions.