FL S1040

Revises eligibility for foreign-trained dentists to take Florida dentistry exams, requiring completion of at least 2 consecutive academic years in a full-time supplemental general dentistry program accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation instead of a 2-year supplemental program.

Removes the 10-year time limit for passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and American Dental Association Joint Commission certification for dental hygiene applicants; adds criminal history and disciplinary record restrictions.

Authorizes dental hygienists to administer local anesthesia (including intraoral block and soft tissue infiltration) under direct supervision of a dentist to nonsedated patients 18 years or older, contingent on completion of a 60-hour course (30 didactic, 30 clinical) and current cardiac life support certification.

Establishes a one-time $35 application fee for dental hygienist local anesthesia certificates issued by the board; requires certificate display at the practice location where anesthesia is administered.

Adopts the ADEX Dental Hygiene Examination as Florida's approved practical/clinical examination effective July 1, 2012, and allows ADEX scores from other states to transfer if applicants pass Florida's state law and rules exam and meet eligibility requirements.