FL H0979

Creates new "dental therapist" license in Florida, allowing mid-level dental providers to perform specified services under general supervision of a dentist through a collaborative management agreement

Limits dental therapist practice to underserved settings including health access settings, community health centers, nursing facilities, schools, government clinics, dental shortage areas, and practices where at least 50% of patients are Medicaid/uninsured/low-income

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

Requires dental therapist applicants to graduate from an accredited dental therapy program, pass clinical and written examinations, complete 24-36 hours of continuing education biennially, and maintain a collaborative management agreement with a supervising dentist

Expands Medicaid reimbursement for dental services provided in mobile dental units at health access settings and programs serving underserved populations including Early Head Start, homeless shelters, schools, and WIC programs