Bill > AB341

This bill establishes the Oral Health for People with Disabilities Technical Assistance Center Program, which aims to improve dental care services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities by reducing or eliminating the need for sedation and general anesthesia during dental treatments. By July 1, 2027, the State Department of Developmental Services will contract with a California dental school or college (preferably a public institution) to administer the program, with the contract running until June 30, 2032. The program will engage up to 21 regional centers, create specialized dental care teams, develop community-based operational systems, and provide training for dental and regional center personnel. The contracted dental school will be required to demonstrate experience in using teledentistry, reducing sedation needs, and improving oral health for people with developmental disabilities. Regional centers will be responsible for identifying eligible participants, establishing vendor agreements with oral health professionals, and monitoring program progress. The department will provide guidance, establish protocols, and submit annual reports to the Legislature, with the program's implementation contingent upon legislative appropriation. The bill recognizes that people with developmental disabilities often face barriers to dental care, including longer wait times, higher costs, and increased risk of chronic dental illnesses, and seeks to address these challenges through innovative, specialized approaches.

Budget and Finance, Education, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB341