Summary of HB 363 - Dental Therapy

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: HB 363
- Title: Dental Therapy
- Status: Filed
- Introduced: November 05, 2025
- Classification: Bill
- Subject: Criminal procedure and corrections, social welfare

Purpose and Intent

HB 363 aims to enhance access to dental care in Florida by establishing a framework for dental therapy. The bill seeks to authorize Medicaid reimbursement for dental services provided in mobile dental units, thereby improving service delivery in underserved areas. It also outlines the qualifications, responsibilities, and regulatory framework for dental therapists.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant amendments to existing Florida Statutes related to dental therapy:

1. Medicaid Reimbursement:

   • Authorizes Medicaid to reimburse for dental services provided in mobile dental units operated by health access settings or similar programs.

2. Definitions and Applicability:

   • Defines "dental therapist" and "dental therapy," clarifying the scope of practice.

3. Council on Dental Therapy:

   • Establishes a Council on Dental Therapy within the Board of Dentistry, responsible for overseeing the practice and ensuring compliance with regulations.

4. Licensure and Continuing Education:

   • Requires the Board of Dentistry to certify dental therapists and mandates continuing education requirements for license renewal.

5. Scope of Practice:

   • Authorizes dental therapists to administer local anesthesia and perform specific duties under the general supervision of a dentist, including in mobile units.

6. Reporting and Accountability:

   • Mandates that dental therapists notify the Board of Dentistry about adverse incidents and provides guidelines for disciplinary actions.

7. Collaborative Management Agreements:

   • Requires a formal agreement between supervising dentists and dental therapists, detailing the scope of practice and responsibilities.

8. Criminal Penalties:

   • Introduces penalties for violations related to the practice of dental therapy.

Impact

• Who is Affected:

  • The bill primarily impacts dental therapists, dentists, and Medicaid recipients in Florida. It aims to improve access to dental care, particularly for low-income populations and those in rural areas.

• Potential Benefits:

  • By allowing dental therapists to provide certain services, the bill is expected to alleviate the burden on dentists and expand access to dental care, potentially improving oral health outcomes in underserved communities.

Procedural Aspects

• The bill was filed on November 5, 2025, and is currently in the legislative process. Further actions and discussions will determine its progression through the Florida Legislature.

Conclusion

HB 363 represents a significant step towards modernizing dental care delivery in Florida by integrating dental therapy into the healthcare system. By establishing clear guidelines and expanding the scope of practice for dental therapists, the bill aims to enhance access to essential dental services for vulnerable populations.