Florida Moves Toward Dental Therapy
Florida lawmakers are considering a bill to create a dental therapist role to provide preventive and routine restorative care. Supporters see it as a solution to widespread dental shortages, while opponents caution that irreversible procedures should remain under dentist supervision.
Florida is revisiting the concept of dental therapy with a House panel approving a bill to introduce midlevel dental practitioners HB 363, sponsored by Rep. Linda Chaney, would establish a dental therapist role to provide preventive and routine restorative care, including fillings, temporary crowns, and extractions, under collaborative agreements with supervising dentists.
Proponents argue that the move addresses significant access issues. With roughly 1,300 fewer dentists than needed, 66 of Florida’s 67 counties are federally designated health professional shortage areas, leaving millions without routine dental care. Advocates note that dental therapy programs already operate in other states and that Florida colleges are prepared to develop tailored programs to meet licensing standards.
Dental therapists would be limited to procedures within their training and practice under the guidance of a supervising dentist. Supporters emphasize that this model could reduce costs, allow dentists to focus on more complex procedures, and expand care for Medicaid and underserved populations.
Opponents, however, warn about the risks of allowing midlevel practitioners to perform irreversible procedures. Experienced dentists caution that even seemingly simple extractions can turn complicated, and full dentist oversight is essential.
The debate highlights the tension between expanding access to care and maintaining high clinical standards. With one final committee stop remaining in the House Health & Human Services Committee, Florida may soon join other states experimenting with dental therapists as part of a broader solution to chronic dental workforce shortages. Click here to read more.
