Bill > H4454

This bill aims to improve oral health for all Massachusetts residents. Key provisions include: 1. Requiring public schools to notify parents/guardians about the importance of oral health screenings and providing information on accessing affordable dental care. 2. Allowing licensed dental therapists, under the supervision of a practitioner, to administer certain medications like non-narcotic analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics. 3. Establishing a new dental therapist profession, including education and licensing requirements, scope of practice, and supervision guidelines. Dental therapists would be able to perform certain procedures like oral evaluations, dispensing some medications, and overseeing dental hygienists and assistants. 4. Requiring the Department of Public Health to evaluate the impact of dental therapists on patient safety, cost-effectiveness, and access to care, and report findings to the legislature. The Center for Health Information and Analysis will also submit annual reports on dental therapist practices. Overall, the bill seeks to expand access to preventive and basic dental services, particularly for underserved populations, by creating a new mid-level dental provider role of dental therapists.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H4454