FL H0649

Creates a new "dental therapist" license in Florida, allowing graduates of accredited dental therapy programs to practice under the general supervision of a dentist after passing required examinations

Limits dental therapy practice to specific settings serving underserved populations, including health access settings, community health centers, nursing facilities, schools, Head Start programs, and areas where at least 50% of patients are on Medicaid or uninsured with income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines

Requires dental therapists to enter into a written collaborative management agreement with a supervising dentist that specifies authorized services, practice protocols, supervision requirements, and quality assurance plans

Authorizes dental therapists to perform services including evaluating radiographs, placing space maintainers, pulpotomies on primary teeth, administering local anesthesia, and dispensing non-opioid analgesics and antibiotics as authorized by the supervising dentist

Requires the Department of Health to submit a progress report by July 1, 2022, and a final report 3 years after the first dental therapy license is issued, including data on access to dental services, costs, and quality/safety outcomes