Bill > S1379

This bill aims to improve oral health for all Massachusetts residents. Key provisions include: - Requiring public schools to notify parents about the importance of oral health screenings and provide information on accessing affordable dental care. - Expanding the authority of licensed dental therapists to administer certain medications and oversee dental hygienists and assistants under the supervision of a dentist. Dental therapists would need to complete 2 years or 2,500 hours of direct supervision before practicing under general supervision. - Establishing a process for 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. The Center for Health Information and Analysis will also submit annual reports on the number of dental therapists, patients served, and procedures performed. - Requiring community health workers to receive education or training in oral health as a condition of licensure or license renewal. The goal is to improve access to dental care, especially for underserved populations, by authorizing dental therapists to provide certain services under the supervision of dentists.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S1379