Bill > H4869

This bill aims to improve oral health for all Massachusetts residents by requiring public schools to notify parents about the importance of oral health screenings and providing them with information on accessing affordable dental care. It also expands the scope of practice for dental professionals by allowing licensed dental therapists, under the supervision of a dentist, to administer certain medications like non-narcotic analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics, and to perform oral evaluations and develop treatment plans. The bill establishes licensing requirements and regulations for dental therapists, including education, examination, and a collaborative management agreement with a supervising dentist, ensuring they serve a significant percentage of underserved or MassHealth members, with specific reporting and evaluation mechanisms in place to track their impact on patient safety, cost-effectiveness, and access to care. Additionally, it mandates oral health education for community health workers and includes dental therapists in the definition of healthcare providers.