Bill > AB341

This bill establishes the Oral Health for People with Disabilities Technical Assistance Center Program, which aims to improve dental care for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities by reducing 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 public dental school to administer the program, potentially partnering with another public dental school. The program will identify up to 10 regional centers to participate, create specialized dental care teams, develop community-based operational systems, provide training for dental and regional center personnel, and collect comprehensive program data. The contracted dental school will focus on using innovative approaches like teledentistry to bring dental care to people with disabilities and demonstrably reduce the use of sedation. Regional centers will be responsible for identifying eligible participants, establishing vendor agreements with oral health professionals, facilitating referrals, and monitoring program progress. The department will provide guidance, establish protocols, and submit annual reports to the Legislature. 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 a systematic, collaborative approach.

Budget and Finance, Education, Health and Social Services

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