SB 1013 Summary

• Creates a new dental therapist license category under Michigan's Public Health Code, allowing dental therapists to provide specified preventive and restorative dental services under the general supervision of a licensed dentist.

• Establishes licensure requirements for dental therapists including graduation from an accredited dental therapy program, passage of a comprehensive clinical examination, and completion of 500 hours of supervised clinical practice.

• Limits dental therapist practice to designated health settings serving vulnerable populations (hospitals, federally qualified health centers, dental shortage areas, and clinics where at least 50% of patients are on government health programs or meet income/disability criteria).

• Requires dental therapists to practice under a written practice agreement with a supervising dentist that specifies authorized services, protocols, emergency procedures, and quality assurance measures; prohibits dental therapists from prescribing controlled substances.

• Adds application and licensing fees for dental therapists ($15-$300 depending on the service), and mandates the board conduct a 7-year study on the impact of dental therapist licensing on patient safety, access to care, and costs.