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HB 21

Dental Therapy

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Chaney and 1 co-sponsor

Florida HB 21 would create dental therapist licenses to expand oral healthcare access in underserved areas by allowing mid-level providers to perform restorative procedures.

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Bill Summary · HB 21

Legislative bill overview

HB 21 would establish a new dental therapy license in Florida, creating a mid-level dental profession positioned between dental hygienists and dentists. Dental therapists would be authorized to perform expanded clinical duties including fillings, extractions, and other restorative procedures under dentist supervision or in certain settings.

Why is this important

Dental therapy could increase access to oral healthcare in underserved areas by allowing more professionals to deliver basic dental services at lower costs. Florida faces dental care shortages in rural and low-income communities, and this profession exists successfully in other states and countries, suggesting potential public health benefits.

Potential points of contention

  • Dentist opposition: The Florida dental profession has historically resisted mid-level provider legislation, citing patient safety concerns and economic competition for routine procedures
  • Scope of practice boundaries: Unclear regulatory lines between therapist and hygienist duties, and which procedures therapists could independently perform versus under supervision
  • Educational standards: Questions about training requirements, licensing exams, and whether Florida-specific credentials would be recognized across state lines

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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