FL H0021

Creates a new "dental therapist" licensure category in Florida, requiring graduation from an accredited dental therapy program, passage of a practical/clinical examination, a Florida laws exam, and background screening; applicants before January 1, 2030 may qualify from programs at colleges with accredited dental or dental hygiene programs that substantially conform to accreditation standards.

Defines a broad scope of practice for dental therapists including oral evaluations, dental prophylaxis, simple extractions of primary teeth, nonsurgical extractions of certain periodontally diseased permanent teeth, direct restorations, placement of preformed crowns on primary teeth, pulp capping, administration of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide, and other specified procedures — all subject to a written collaborative management agreement with a supervising dentist.

Requires dental therapists to practice under direct supervision of a dentist in office settings and under general supervision when providing services in a mobile dental unit; the supervising dentist determines required supervised practice hours before a therapist may work under general supervision and may restrict the therapist's scope within the collaborative agreement.

Expands Medicaid reimbursement for dental services provided in mobile dental units owned by, operated by, or contracted with health access settings or similar programs, applying to both adult and children's dental services.

Requires the Board of Dentistry chair to appoint a Council on Dental Therapy (effective 28 months after the first dental therapy license is issued) with one board member and three practicing dental therapists, meeting at least three times per year; mandates 24–36 hours of biennial continuing education for dental therapists; and requires the Department of Health to submit a progress report to the Legislature by July 1, 2028, and a final report 4 years after the first license is issued.