MA H4869

Creates a new licensed "dental therapist" profession in Massachusetts, requiring graduation from a Commission on Dental Accreditation-accredited program, passing a competency-based clinical examination, and obtaining professional liability insurance

Dental therapists must work under a collaborative management agreement with a supervising dentist (limited to 3 dental therapists per dentist) and can perform oral evaluations, assessments, treatment planning, and dispense non-narcotic analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics

At least 50% of a dental therapist's patient panel must consist of MassHealth members or underserved populations, including those in dental health professional shortage areas, long-term care facilities, or with incomes at or below 305% of the federal poverty level

Public schools must notify parents of the importance of oral health screenings, and community health workers must receive oral health education as a condition of licensure

Department of Public Health must conduct a 5-year evaluation of dental therapists' impact on patient safety, cost-effectiveness, and access to dental services, with annual reporting requirements beginning 3 years after the first graduating class