SB 82 — Dental Therapy

Summary

Dental Therapy; Authorizing Medicaid to reimburse for dental services provided in a mobile dental unit that is owned by, operated by, or has a contractual agreement with a health access setting or another similar setting or program; requiring the Department of Health to allow any person who fails the dental therapy examination to retake the examination; providing application requirements and examination and licensure qualifications for dental therapists; authorizing a dental therapist to perform specified services under the supervision of a dentist under certain conditions, etc.

Bill Text

• Introduced S 82 Filed Current pdf

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill expands Medicaid reimbursement for dental services in mobile dental units and introduces regulatory changes for dental therapists in Florida.

• 409.906

  However, Medicaid will not provide reimbursement for dental services provided in a mobile dental unit, except for a mobile dental unit: → However, Medicaid will not provide reimbursement for dental services provided in a mobile dental unit, except for a mobile dental unit: owned by, operated by, or having a contractual agreement with a health access setting as defined in s. 466.003 or a similar setting or program.

  This change allows Medicaid to reimburse for dental services in mobile dental units that have contractual agreements with health access settings.

• 466.001

  The legislative purpose for enacting this chapter is to ensure that every dentist, dental therapist, or dental hygienist practicing in this state meets minimum requirements for safe practice without undue clinical interference by persons not licensed under this chapter. → The legislative purpose for enacting this chapter is to ensure that every dentist, dental therapist, or dental hygienist practicing in this state meets minimum requirements for safe practice without undue clinical interference by persons not licensed under this chapter. It is the legislative intent that dental services be provided only in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and not be delegated to unauthorized individuals.

  The amendment clarifies the legislative intent regarding the regulation of dental therapists and dental services.

• 466.002

  Nothing in this chapter shall apply to the following practices, acts, and operations: → Nothing in this chapter shall apply to the following practices, acts, and operations: Students in Florida schools of dentistry, dental therapy, and dental hygiene or dental assistant educational programs, while performing regularly assigned work under the curriculum of such schools or programs.

  This change clarifies the exemptions for students in dental therapy programs from the regulations of the chapter.

• 466.009

  The Department of Health shall allow any person who fails the dental therapy examination to retake the examination. → The Department of Health shall allow any person who fails the dental therapy examination to retake the examination; providing that a person who fails a practical or clinical examination to practice dental therapy and who has failed one part or procedure of the examination may be required to retake only that part or procedure to pass the examination.

  This change creates a more flexible retake policy for those who fail the dental therapy examination.

• 466.011

  The board shall certify an applicant for licensure as a dental therapist.

  This establishes a formal certification requirement for dental therapists to be licensed.

• 466.0136

  Each licensed dental therapist shall complete a specified number of hours of continuing education.

  This mandates continuing education for dental therapists to maintain their licensure.

• 466.017

  A dental therapist under the supervision of a dentist may administer local anesthesia and operate an X-ray machine, expose dental X-ray films, and interpret or read such films.

  This allows dental therapists to perform additional duties under the supervision of a dentist.

• 466.018

  A dentist of record remains primarily responsible for the dental treatment of a patient regardless of whether the treatment is provided by a dental therapist. → A dentist of record remains primarily responsible for the dental treatment of a patient regardless of whether the treatment is provided by a dental therapist; requiring that the initials of a dental therapist who renders treatment to a patient be placed in the record of the patient.

  This change strengthens the accountability of the dental therapist in patient records.

• 466.0227

  A dental therapist is authorized to perform specified services under the supervision of a dentist under certain conditions.

  This expands the scope of practice for dental therapists when supervised by a dentist.

• 466.026

  Providing criminal penalties for practicing dental therapy without an active license.

  This introduces legal penalties to deter unlicensed practice of dental therapy.

• 466.028

  Revising grounds for denial of a license or disciplinary action to include the practice of dental therapy.

  This adds grounds for disciplinary action specifically related to dental therapy practice.

• 466.0285

  Prohibiting persons other than licensed dentists from employing a dental therapist in the operation of a dental office.

  This ensures that only licensed dentists can oversee dental therapists in dental offices.

Action History

1. June 16, 2025

   Died in Health Policy

2. May 03, 2025

   Indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration

3. March 04, 2025

   Introduced

4. January 15, 2025

   Referred to Health Policy; Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services; Rules

5. December 05, 2024

   Filed

Sponsors

• Collins · Primary

Subjects