FL H1173

Creates a new "dental therapist" license in Florida, allowing licensed dental therapists to perform specified dental services—including evaluating radiographs, placing space maintainers, pulpotomies on primary teeth, dispensing nonopioid analgesics, and oral evaluations—under the general supervision of a dentist pursuant to a written collaborative management agreement.

Requires dental therapist applicants to be at least 18 years old, graduate from an accredited dental therapy program (or an approved equivalent program before January 1, 2029), pass a clinical examination produced by ADEX or an approved alternative, and pass a written exam on Florida dental therapy laws and rules.

Establishes a Council on Dental Therapy under the Board of Dentistry, to be appointed 28 months after the first dental therapy license is granted, composed of one board member and three practicing dental therapists, meeting at least three times per year to develop rules and policy recommendations.

Authorizes Medicaid reimbursement for dental services provided in mobile dental units owned by, operated by, or contracted with a health access setting or similar program, expanding access for both adult and children's dental services.

Requires the Department of Health, in consultation with the Board of Dentistry and the Agency for Health Care Administration, to submit a progress report to the Legislature by July 1, 2027, and a final report 4 years after the first dental therapy license is issued, covering patient access, costs, quality and safety outcomes, and reform recommendations.