Bill > S1569

This bill aims to improve oral health for Massachusetts residents through several key provisions. First, it requires public schools to notify parents about the importance of oral health screenings and provide information about accessing dental care. The bill introduces a new category of dental professional called a "dental therapist," who can work under the supervision of a dentist and perform certain dental procedures, including administering specific non-narcotic medications. The dental therapist must work primarily with underserved populations, with at least 50% of their patient panel consisting of MassHealth members or other underserved groups. The bill also establishes detailed requirements for dental therapist education, licensing, and collaborative management agreements with supervising dentists. Additionally, the legislation requires the Department of Public Health to conduct a comprehensive 5-year evaluation of dental therapists' impact on patient safety, cost-effectiveness, and access to dental services, with annual reporting on their practice and patient demographics. Community health workers will also be required to receive education in oral health as a condition of licensure, and dental therapists are now explicitly recognized as healthcare providers under state law.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1569