FL S0606

Establishes a joint local and state dental care access account initiative to support qualified dentists practicing in dental health professional shortage areas or medically underserved areas, subject to available funding.

Creates individual benefit accounts for eligible dentists employed by public health programs or opening private practices in designated areas, with an electronic benefit transfer system to access funds for student loan repayment, practice equipment/facilities, and relocation expenses.

Distributes state awards of $10,000 to $100,000 per account (not exceeding 3 times local contributions), with eligible dentists receiving priority based on area rankings established by the Department of Economic Opportunity.

Requires account closure no later than 5 years after initial funding or immediately upon dentist's termination of employment, departure from designated area, loss of Medicaid participation, or fraudulent activity; provides for return of unspent local funds and reassignment of state funds to new accounts.

Mandates the Department of Health to establish application procedures, verification processes, and annual reporting requirements to the Governor and Legislature beginning January 1, 2017, including patient numbers served, Medicaid recipient data, and accounting of fund usage.