Bill > SB988

This bill establishes the Maryland Collaborative to Improve Children's Oral Health Through School-Based Programs, a multi-stakeholder group designed to study and recommend ways to enhance dental care for children in schools. The Collaborative will include representatives from the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates, state health and education departments, professional dental and health associations, and school-related organizations. Its key objectives include analyzing strategies to link families to dental facilities, increase the number of school-based dental hygienists, authorize school nurses to provide fluoride treatments, expand school-based health center dental services, clarify dental hygienist practice laws in school settings, and explore innovative dental service models for children. The Collaborative is required to submit an interim report by December 1, 2025, and a final comprehensive report by October 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill modifies existing law to allow dental hygienists to practice under general dentist supervision in schools and school-based health centers, expanding their ability to provide dental services. The Collaborative members will not receive compensation but can be reimbursed for expenses, and the Maryland Department of Health will provide administrative support. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and will remain in effect until June 30, 2027.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0988?ys=2025RS