Linda Chaney’s Bold Move: Reviving Dental Therapy Amid Statewide Shortage

Representative Linda Chaney is back in action, championing a game-changing piece of legislation that could reshape the landscape of dental care in Florida.

Her bold initiative (HB 21) proposes the establishment of a Council on Dental Therapy, which will be tasked with evaluating and regulating this burgeoning field. This includes laying down the law on requirements, services, boundaries, and restrictions surrounding dental therapy.

So, what exactly is a dental therapist? These professionals bring more skills to the table than your average dental hygienist, yet they don’t have the same advanced degree as a dentist. They’re licensed to perform essential procedures such as filling cavities, extracting teeth, placing temporary crowns, and providing foundational dental care—all under the watchful eye of a licensed dentist. In some instances, those who’ve earned a master’s degree in this field operate similarly to nurse practitioners or physician assistants, expanding access to care.

Right now, over a dozen states have already embraced dental therapists, with many more looking to join the ranks, as reported by Stateline.

But there’s more! Chaney’s legislation aims to go beyond just setting up dental therapy in Florida. It also paves the way for Medicaid to reimburse dental services provided through mobile dental units, which are a lifeline for communities lacking adequate dental care or for those who simply can’t afford it.

The Council on Dental Therapy will spring to life 28 months after the first dental therapy license is awarded, tasked with crafting rules and policies for the Board of Dentistry. Their mission? To set the standard for dental therapy education, licensure regulation, and the establishment of services across the state.

Chaney’s bill also details the licensure criteria, which includes a practical or clinical exam. If an applicant stumbles on one part of the exam, they only need to retake that section. However, if they fall short on multiple sections, they’ll have to redo the entire exam—keeping standards high!

This legislative effort is not just a bureaucratic measure; it’s a crucial step toward addressing Florida’s dentist shortage. A staggering 58 million Americans live in areas with insufficient dental professionals, according to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration.

Moreover, only about one-third of dentists across the country accept Medicaid, as per an American Dental Association estimate. Alarmingly, those enrolled in Medicaid are often from communities that are Black, Hispanic, American Indian, or Alaska Native, highlighting a dire need for accessible dental care.

And let’s not forget, Florida ranks among the states with the most severe shortages of dental professionals.

Chaney had made similar attempts (HB 1173) in the previous legislative session, but unfortunately, they fizzled out in committee. Sen. Jay Collins also filed a companion bill (SB 1254) that met a similar fate.

Now, both Chaney and Collins (SB 82 are back at it, hoping to ignite change.

Last year’s venture garnered support from a wide array of organizations, including the Florida Dental Hygienists Association, the Florida Association of Community Health Centers, and the American Children’s Campaign. However, it faced opposition from the Florida Dental Association.

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