Bill > H2253

This bill seeks to improve oral health for all Massachusetts residents by: 1) Requiring public schools to notify parents about the importance of oral health screenings and provide information on accessing affordable dental care. 2) Expanding the ability of licensed dental therapists to administer certain medications and controlled substances under the supervision of a licensed dentist. 3) Establishing new licensing requirements and a scope of practice for dental therapists, including allowing them to provide certain advanced dental procedures under general supervision after meeting experience requirements. 4) Requiring 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. 5) Mandating continuing education in oral health for community health workers as a condition of licensure or renewal. The overall goal is to improve access to affordable, preventive oral healthcare, especially for underserved populations in Massachusetts.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H2253