SB 152 - Dental Therapy

• Authorizes licensure and regulation of dental therapists in Florida under Board of Dentistry supervision, with applicants required to graduate from accredited dental therapy programs and pass practical and written examinations.

• Limits dental therapist practice to specified settings including health access settings, community health centers, nursing facilities, schools, hospitals, and other clinics serving at least 50% Medicaid or low-income patients.

• Requires dental therapists to work under general supervision of a licensed Florida dentist with a written collaborative management agreement that specifies scope of services, supervision requirements, and quality assurance protocols.

• Authorizes dental therapists to perform preventive and therapeutic services including cleanings, sealants, fillings, extractions, and state-specific services such as evaluating radiographs, placing space maintainers, and administering local anesthesia.

• Expands Medicaid reimbursement for dental services provided in mobile dental units owned or operated by health access settings and similar programs serving underserved populations; requires progress reports to Legislature on implementation and effects by July 1, 2023 and three years after first license is issued.