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SB 82

Dental Therapy

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jay Collins

SB 82 would authorize mid-level dental therapists to practice independently in Florida, expanding access to preventive and basic restorative dental care in underserved areas. (Bill died in committee in 2025.)

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Bill Summary · SB 82

Legislative bill overview

SB 82 would authorize dental therapists—mid-level dental professionals with less training than dentists but more than dental hygienists—to practice independently in Florida and provide a broader range of preventive and restorative dental services. The bill aimed to expand access to dental care by allowing these professionals to work in underserved areas and reduce the supervision requirements currently imposed on similar roles in Florida.

Why is this important

Florida, like many states, faces dental care shortages in rural and low-income communities. Dental therapists exist in multiple U.S. states and countries and have shown capacity to deliver basic dental services safely and affordably. Expanding this workforce could increase access to preventive care, reduce emergency room dental visits, and lower costs for uninsured and underinsured populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Professional scope concerns: The Florida dental association and established dentists may oppose expanding independent practice authority, viewing it as competition or a threat to dentist income and professional standards
  • Quality and safety questions: Opponents argue dental therapists lack sufficient training for independent practice and may miss complex conditions, while proponents cite international evidence of safe outcomes
  • Regulatory clarity: The bill would require creating new licensure, supervision, and oversight frameworks, raising questions about implementation costs and enforcement mechanisms

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

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