Bill > H1308

This bill aims to improve oral health for all Massachusetts residents by taking the following key actions: 1. Requires public schools to notify parents about the importance of oral health screenings and provide information on accessing affordable dental care. 2. Expands the scope of practice for licensed dental therapists, allowing them to administer certain medications and oversee dental hygienists and assistants under the supervision of a licensed dentist. It also establishes guidelines for collaborative management agreements between dental therapists and supervising dentists. 3. Requires at least 50% of a dental therapist's patient panel to consist of underserved populations, such as Medicaid recipients and those living in dental health professional shortage areas. 4. Directs the Department of Public Health to evaluate the impact of dental therapists on patient safety, cost-effectiveness, and access to dental services over a 5-year period, and requires annual reporting on the number of dental therapists and patients served. The bill seeks to improve access to oral healthcare, especially for underserved populations, by authorizing and regulating the practice of dental therapists in Massachusetts.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H1308