MD HB1143

Establishes the Maryland Collaborative to Improve Children's Oral Health Through School-Based Programs, a study group with 18+ members including legislators, state officials, and representatives from dental, education, and health organizations

Requires the Collaborative to study ways to improve school-based dental programs, including linking families to permanent dental facilities, increasing dental hygienists in schools, authorizing school nurses to provide fluoride varnishes, and expanding school-based health center dental capacity

Mandates an interim report by December 1, 2025 and a final report by October 1, 2026 to the Governor and General Assembly

The Collaborative sunsets on June 30, 2027

Responds to declining children's dental access under Medicaid, which dropped from 64% receiving preventive services in 2015-2019 to 56.5% in 2023, and addresses disparities showing 21% of children have untreated decay (30% among Hispanic children) and 51% need sealants (60% among Black children)