Bill > S2740

This bill aims to improve oral health for all Massachusetts residents. It does this by: 1. Requiring public schools to notify parents/guardians about the importance of oral health screenings and providing information on accessing affordable dental care. 2. Expanding the scope of practice for licensed dental therapists to allow them to administer certain medications and perform additional procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist. It also establishes requirements for the education and licensing of dental therapists. 3. Directing 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. 4. Requiring community health workers to receive education or training in oral health as a condition of licensure or license renewal. Overall, the bill aims to increase access to oral healthcare, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations, by expanding the dental workforce and improving educational and informational resources.

Health and Social Services

Joint Committee on Public Health (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S2740