FL S0234

Establishes a joint local and state dental care access account initiative to support dentists practicing in dental health professional shortage areas or medically underserved areas, with up to 10 new accounts created per fiscal year.

Eligible dentists must either be employed by a public health program in a designated area or commit to opening a private practice in such an area by meeting requirements including maintaining Medicaid provider agreements and obtaining local community financial support.

State funds awarded to each account range from $10,000 to $100,000, with the state award limited to 3 times the local matching contributions in the same year; funds may be used for student loan repayment, dental office equipment and facilities, or approved relocation expenses.

Accounts must close within 5 years or immediately if the dentist terminates employment with a public health program without opening a private practice within 30 days, terminates practice in the designated area, leaves the Medicaid program, or engages in fraudulent activity.

Department of Health must submit annual reports beginning January 1, 2018, detailing patient numbers served, Medicaid recipients served, dentist locations, and accounting of fund usage by category.