HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 1 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S A bill to be entitled 1 An act relating to dental therapy; amending s. 2 409.906, F.S.; authorizing Medicaid to reimburse for 3 dental services provided in a mobile dental unit that 4 is owned by, operated by, or contracted with a health 5 access setting or another similar setting or pro gram; 6 amending s. 466.001, F.S.; revising legislative 7 purpose and intent; amending s. 466.002, F.S.; 8 providing applicability; amending s. 466.003, F.S.; 9 defining the terms "dental therapist" and "dental 10 therapy"; amending s. 466.004, F.S.; requiring the 11 chair of the Board of Dentistry to appoint a Council 12 on Dental Therapy, effective after a specified 13 timeframe; providing for membership, meetings, and the 14 purpose of the council; amending s. 466.006, F.S.; 15 revising the definitions of the terms "full -time 16 practice" and "full-time practice of dentistry within 17 the geographic boundaries of this state within 1 year" 18 to include full-time faculty members of certain dental 19 therapy schools; amending s. 466.009, F.S.; requiring 20 the Department of Health to allow any per son who fails 21 the dental therapy examination to retake the 22 examination; providing that a person who fails a 23 practical or clinical examination to practice dental 24 therapy and who has failed one part or procedure of 25 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 2 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S the examination may be required to retake o nly that 26 part or procedure to pass the examination; amending s. 27 466.011, F.S.; requiring the board to certify an 28 applicant for licensure as a dental therapist; 29 creating s. 466.0136, F.S.; requiring the board to 30 require each licensed dental therapist to com plete a 31 specified number of hours of continuing education; 32 requiring the board to adopt rules and guidelines; 33 authorizing the board to excuse licensees from 34 continuing education requirements in certain 35 circumstances; amending s. 466.016, F.S.; requiring a 36 practitioner of dental therapy to post and display her 37 or his license in each office where she or he 38 practices; amending s. 466.017, F.S.; requiring the 39 board to adopt certain rules relating to dental 40 therapists; authorizing a dental therapist under the 41 direct supervision of a dentist to perform certain 42 duties if specified requirements are met; authorizing 43 a dental therapist providing services in a mobile 44 dental unit under the general supervision of a dentist 45 to perform certain duties if specified requireme nts 46 are met; amending s. 466.018, F.S.; providing that a 47 dentist of record remains primarily responsible for 48 the dental treatment of a patient regardless of 49 whether the treatment is provided by a dental 50 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 3 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S therapist; requiring that the initials of a dental 51 therapist who renders treatment to a patient be placed 52 in the record of the patient; creating s. 466.0225, 53 F.S.; providing application requirements and 54 examination and licensure qualifications for dental 55 therapists; creating s. 466.0227, F.S.; authorizing a 56 dental therapist to perform specified services under 57 the general supervision of a dentist under certain 58 conditions; specifying state -specific dental therapy 59 services; requiring that a collaborative management 60 agreement be signed by a supervising dentist an d a 61 dental therapist and to include certain information; 62 requiring the supervising dentist to determine the 63 number of hours of practice that a dental therapist 64 must complete before performing certain authorized 65 services; authorizing a supervising dentist t o 66 restrict or limit the dental therapist's practice in a 67 collaborative management agreement; providing that a 68 supervising dentist may authorize a dental therapist 69 to provide dental therapy services to a patient before 70 the dentist examines or diagnoses the patient under 71 certain conditions; requiring a supervising dentist to 72 be licensed and practicing in this state; specifying 73 that the supervising dentist is responsible for 74 certain services; amending s. 466.026, F.S.; providing 75 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 4 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S criminal penalties; amending s. 466.028, F.S.; 76 revising grounds for denial of a license or 77 disciplinary action to include the practice of dental 78 therapy; amending s. 466.0285, F.S.; prohibiting 79 persons other than licensed dentists from employing a 80 dental therapist in the operation of a dental office 81 and from controlling the use of any dental equipment 82 or material in certain circumstances; amending s. 83 921.0022, F.S.; conforming a provision to changes made 84 by the act; requiring the department, in consultation 85 with the board and the Agency for Health Care 86 Administration, to provide reports to the Legislature 87 by specified dates; requiring that certain information 88 and recommendations be included in the reports; 89 providing an effective date. 90 91 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: 92 93 Section 1. Paragraph (c) of subsection (1) of section 94 409.906, Florida Statutes, is amended, and paragraph (e) is 95 added to subsection (6) of that section, to read: 96 409.906 Optional Medicaid services. —Subject to specific 97 appropriations, the agency may make payments for services which 98 are optional to the state under Title XIX of the Social Security 99 Act and are furnished by Medicaid providers to recipients who 100 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 5 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S are determined to be eligible on the dates on which the services 101 were provided. Any o ptional service that is provided shall be 102 provided only when medically necessary and in accordance with 103 state and federal law. Optional services rendered by providers 104 in mobile units to Medicaid recipients may be restricted or 105 prohibited by the agency. Not hing in this section shall be 106 construed to prevent or limit the agency from adjusting fees, 107 reimbursement rates, lengths of stay, number of visits, or 108 number of services, or making any other adjustments necessary to 109 comply with the availability of moneys a nd any limitations or 110 directions provided for in the General Appropriations Act or 111 chapter 216. If necessary to safeguard the state's systems of 112 providing services to elderly and disabled persons and subject 113 to the notice and review provisions of s. 216.17 7, the Governor 114 may direct the Agency for Health Care Administration to amend 115 the Medicaid state plan to delete the optional Medicaid service 116 known as "Intermediate Care Facilities for the Developmentally 117 Disabled." Optional services may include: 118 (1) ADULT DENTAL SERVICES.— 119 (c) However, Medicaid will not provide reimbursement for 120 dental services provided in a mobile dental unit, except for a 121 mobile dental unit: 122 1. Owned by, operated by, or having a contractual 123 agreement with the Department of Health a nd complying with 124 Medicaid's county health department clinic services program 125 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 6 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S specifications as a county health department clinic services 126 provider. 127 2. Owned by, operated by, or having a contractual 128 arrangement with a federally qualified health center an d 129 complying with Medicaid's federally qualified health center 130 specifications as a federally qualified health center provider. 131 3. Rendering dental services to Medicaid recipients, 21 132 years of age and older, at nursing facilities. 133 4. Owned by, operated b y, or having a contractual 134 agreement with a state -approved dental educational institution. 135 5. Owned by, operated by, or having a contractual 136 agreement with a health access setting as defined in s. 466.003 137 or a similar setting or program. 138 (6) CHILDREN'S DENTAL SERVICES.—The agency may pay for 139 diagnostic, preventive, or corrective procedures, including 140 orthodontia in severe cases, provided to a recipient under age 141 21, by or under the supervision of a licensed dentist. The 142 agency may also reimburse a healt h access setting as defined in 143 s. 466.003 for the remediable tasks that a licensed dental 144 hygienist is authorized to perform under s. 466.024(2). Services 145 provided under this program include treatment of the teeth and 146 associated structures of the oral cavi ty, as well as treatment 147 of disease, injury, or impairment that may affect the oral or 148 general health of the individual. However, Medicaid will not 149 provide reimbursement for dental services provided in a mobile 150 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 7 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S dental unit, except for a mobile dental unit: 151 (e) Owned by, operated by, or having a contractual 152 agreement with a health access setting as defined in s. 466.003 153 or a similar setting or program. 154 Section 2. Section 466.001, Florida Statutes, is amended 155 to read: 156 466.001 Legislative purpose and i ntent.—The legislative 157 purpose for enacting this chapter is to ensure that every 158 dentist, dental therapist, or dental hygienist practicing in 159 this state meets minimum requirements for safe practice without 160 undue clinical interference by persons not license d under this 161 chapter. It is the legislative intent that dental services be 162 provided only in accordance with the provisions of this chapter 163 and not be delegated to unauthorized individuals. It is the 164 further legislative intent that dentists , dental therapists, and 165 dental hygienists who fall below minimum competency or who 166 otherwise present a danger to the public shall be prohibited 167 from practicing in this state. All provisions of this chapter 168 relating to the practice of dentistry , dental therapy, and 169 dental hygiene shall be liberally construed to carry out such 170 purpose and intent. 171 Section 3. Subsections (5) and (6) of section 466.002, 172 Florida Statutes, are amended to read: 173 466.002 Persons exempt from operation of chapter. —Nothing 174 in This chapter does not shall apply to the following practices, 175 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 8 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S acts, and operations: 176 (5) Students in Florida schools of dentistry , dental 177 therapy, and dental hygiene or dental assistant educational 178 programs, while performing regularly assigned work under the 179 curriculum of such schools or programs. 180 (6) Instructors in Florida schools of dentistry, 181 instructors in dental programs that prepare persons holding 182 D.D.S. or D.M.D. degrees for certification by a specialty board 183 and that are accredited in the United States by January 1, 2005, 184 in the same manner as the board recognizes accreditation for 185 Florida schools of dentistry that are not otherwise affiliated 186 with a Florida school of dentistry, or instructors in Florida 187 schools of dental hygiene , dental therapy, or dental assistant 188 educational programs, while performing regularly assigned 189 instructional duties under the curriculum of such schools or 190 programs. A full-time dental instructor at a dental school or 191 dental program approved by the board may be allowed to practice 192 dentistry at the teaching facilities of such school or program, 193 upon receiving a teaching permit issued by the board, in strict 194 compliance with such rules as are adopted by the board 195 pertaining to the teaching permit and with the established rules 196 and procedures of the dental school or program as recognized in 197 this section. 198 Section 4. Section 466.003, Florida Statutes, is reordered 199 and amended to read: 200 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 9 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S 466.003 Definitions. —As used in this chapter , the term: 201 (1) "Board" means the Board of Dentistry. 202 (2)(6) "Dental assistant" means a person, other than a 203 dental hygienist, who, under the supervision and authorization 204 of a dentist, provides dental care services directly to a 205 patient. This term does shall not include a certified registered 206 nurse anesthetist lic ensed under part I of chapter 464. 207 (3)(4) "Dental hygiene" means the rendering of 208 educational, preventive, and therapeutic dental services 209 pursuant to ss. 466.023 and 466.024 and any related extra -oral 210 procedure required in the performance of such servic es. 211 (4)(5) "Dental hygienist" means a person licensed to 212 practice dental hygiene pursuant to this chapter. 213 (5) "Dental therapist" means a person licensed to practice 214 dental therapy pursuant to s. 466.0225. 215 (6) "Dental therapy" means the rendering of services 216 pursuant to s. 466.0227 and any related extraoral services or 217 procedures required in the performance of such services. 218 (7)(2) "Dentist" means a person licensed to practice 219 dentistry pursuant to this chapter. 220 (8)(3) "Dentistry" means the healin g art which is 221 concerned with the examination, diagnosis, treatment planning, 222 and care of conditions within the human oral cavity and its 223 adjacent tissues and structures. It includes the performance or 224 attempted performance of any dental operation, or oral or oral-225 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 10 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S maxillofacial surgery and any procedures adjunct thereto, 226 including physical evaluation directly related to such operation 227 or surgery pursuant to hospital rules and regulations. It also 228 includes dental service of any kind gratuitously or for any 229 remuneration paid, or to be paid, directly or indirectly, to any 230 person or agency. The term "dentistry" shall also includes 231 include the following: 232 (a) The Taking of an impression of the human tooth, teeth, 233 or jaws directly or indirectly and by any means or method. 234 (b) Supplying artificial substitutes for the natural teeth 235 or furnishing, supplying, constructing, reproducing, or 236 repairing any prosthetic denture, brid ge, appliance, or any 237 other structure designed to be worn in the human mouth except on 238 the written work order of a duly licensed dentist. 239 (c) The Placing of an appliance or structure in the human 240 mouth or the adjusting or attempting to adjust the same. 241 (d) Delivering the same to any person other than the 242 dentist upon whose work order the work was performed. 243 (e) Professing to the public by any method to furnish, 244 supply, construct, reproduce, or repair any prosthetic denture, 245 bridge, appliance, or other structure designed to be worn in the 246 human mouth. 247 (f) Diagnosing, prescribing, or treating or professing to 248 diagnose, prescribe, or treat disease, pain, deformity, 249 deficiency, injury, or physical condition of the human teeth or 250 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 11 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S jaws or oral-maxillofacial region. 251 (g) Extracting or attempting to extract human teeth. 252 (h) Correcting or attempting to correct malformations of 253 teeth or of jaws. 254 (i) Repairing or attempting to repair cavities in the 255 human teeth. 256 (9)(7) "Department" means the Department of Health. 257 (10)(8) "Digital scanning" means the use of digital 258 technology that creates a computer -generated replica of the hard 259 and soft tissue of the oral cavity using enhanced digital 260 photography, lasers, or other optical scanning devices. 261 (11)(9) "Direct supervision" means supervision whereby a 262 dentist diagnoses the condition to be treated, a dentist 263 authorizes the procedure to be performed, a dentist remains on 264 the premises while the procedures are performed, and a dentist 265 approves the work performed before dismissal of the patient. 266 (12)(11) "General supervision" means supervision whereby a 267 dentist authorizes the procedures which are being carried out 268 but need not be present when the authorized procedures are being 269 performed. The authorized procedure s may also be performed at a 270 place other than the dentist's usual place of practice. The 271 issuance of a written work authorization to a commercial dental 272 laboratory by a dentist does not constitute general supervision. 273 (13)(15) "Health access setting" mea ns a program or an 274 institution of the Department of Children and Families, the 275 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 12 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S Department of Health, the Department of Juvenile Justice, a 276 nonprofit community health center, a Head Start center, a 277 federally qualified health center or look -alike as defined by 278 federal law, a school -based prevention program, a clinic 279 operated by an accredited college of dentistry, or an accredited 280 dental hygiene program in this state if such community service 281 program or institution immediately reports to the Board of 282 Dentistry all violations of s. 466.027, s. 466.028, or other 283 practice act or standard of care violations related to the 284 actions or inactions of a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental 285 assistant engaged in the delivery of dental care in such 286 setting. 287 (14)(10) "Indirect supervision" means supervision whereby 288 a dentist authorizes the procedure and a dentist is on the 289 premises while the procedures are performed. 290 (15)(12) "Irremediable tasks" are those intraoral 291 treatment tasks which, when performed, are irreversible and 292 create unalterable changes within the oral cavity or the 293 contiguous structures or which cause an increased risk to the 294 patient. The administration of ane sthetics other than topical 295 anesthesia is considered to be an "irremediable task" for 296 purposes of this chapter. 297 (16)(14) "Oral and maxillofacial surgery" means the 298 specialty of dentistry involving diagnosis, surgery, and 299 adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects 300 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 13 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S involving the functional and esthetic aspects of the hard and 301 soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial regions. This term 302 may not be construed to apply to any individual exempt under s. 303 466.002(1). 304 (17)(13) "Remediable tasks" are those intraoral treatment 305 tasks which are reversible and do not create unalterable changes 306 within the oral cavity or the contiguous structures and which do 307 not cause an increased risk to the patient. 308 (18)(16) "School-based prevention program" means 309 preventive oral health services offered at a school by one of 310 the entities described defined in subsection (13) (15) or by a 311 nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal income 312 taxation under s. 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, and 313 described in s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 314 Section 5. Subsection (2) of section 466.004, Florida 315 Statutes, is amended to read: 316 466.004 Board of Dentistry. — 317 (2) To advise the board, it is the intent of the 318 Legislature that councils be appointed as specif ied in 319 paragraphs (a)-(d) (a), (b), and (c). The department shall 320 provide administrative support to the councils and shall provide 321 public notice of meetings and agendas agenda of the councils. 322 Councils must shall include at least one board member , who shall 323 serve as chair, the council and must shall include nonboard 324 members. All council members shall be appointed by the board 325 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 14 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S chair. Council members shall be appointed for 4 -year terms, and 326 all members are shall be eligible for reimbursement of expenses 327 in the manner of board members. 328 (a) A Council on Dental Hygiene shall be appointed by the 329 board chair and shall include one dental hygienist member of the 330 board, who shall chair the council, one dental member of the 331 board, and three dental hygienists who are actively engaged in 332 the practice of dental hygiene in this state. In making the 333 appointments, the chair shall consider recommendations from the 334 Florida Dental Hygiene Association. The council shall meet at 335 the request of the board chair, a majority of the members of the 336 board, or the council chair; however, the council must meet at 337 least three times a year. The council is charged with the 338 responsibility of and shall meet for the purpose of developing 339 rules and policies for recommendation to the board, which the 340 board shall consider, on matters pertaining to that part of 341 dentistry consisting of educational, preventive, or therapeutic 342 dental hygiene services; dental hygiene licensure, discipline, 343 or regulation; and dental hygiene education. Rule and policy 344 recommendations of the council must shall be considered by the 345 board at its next regularly scheduled meeting in the same manner 346 in which it considers rule and policy recommendations from 347 designated subcommittees of the board. Any rule or policy 348 proposed by the board pertaining to the specified part of 349 dentistry identified defined by this subsection must shall be 350 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 15 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S referred to the council for a recommendation before final action 351 by the board. The board may take final action on rules 352 pertaining to the specified part of dentistry identified defined 353 by this subsection without a council recommendation if the 354 council fails to submit a recommendation in a timely fashion as 355 prescribed by the board. 356 (b) A Council on Dental Assisting shall be appointed by 357 the board chair and shall include one board member who shall 358 chair the council and three dental assistants who are active ly 359 engaged in dental assisting in this state. The council shall 360 meet at the request of the board chair or a majority of the 361 members of the board. The council shall meet for the purpose of 362 developing recommendations to the board on matters pertaining to 363 that part of dentistry related to dental assisting. 364 (c) Effective 28 months after the first dental therapy 365 license is granted by the board, the board chair shall appoint a 366 Council on Dental Therapy, which must include one board member 367 who shall chair the co uncil and three dental therapists who are 368 actively engaged in the practice of dental therapy in this 369 state. The council shall meet at the request of the board chair, 370 a majority of the members of the board, or the council chair; 371 however, the council shall m eet at least three times per year. 372 The council is charged with the responsibility of, and shall 373 meet for the purpose of, developing rules and policies for 374 recommendation to the board on matters pertaining to that part 375 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 16 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S of dentistry consisting of educational , preventive, or 376 therapeutic dental therapy services; dental therapy licensure, 377 discipline, or regulation; and dental therapy education. Rule 378 and policy recommendations of the council must be considered by 379 the board at its next regularly scheduled meeting in the same 380 manner in which it considers rule and policy recommendations 381 from designated subcommittees of the board. Any rule or policy 382 proposed by the board pertaining to the specified part of 383 dentistry identified by this subsection must be referred to th e 384 council for a recommendation before final action by the board. 385 The board may take final action on rules pertaining to the 386 specified part of dentistry identified by this subsection 387 without a council recommendation if the council fails to submit 388 a recommendation in a timely fashion as prescribed by the board. 389 (d)(c) With the concurrence of the State Surgeon General, 390 the board chair may create and abolish other advisory councils 391 relating to dental subjects, including, but not limited to: 392 examinations, access to dental care, indigent care, nursing home 393 and institutional care, public health, disciplinary guidelines, 394 and other subjects as appropriate. Such councils shall be 395 appointed by the board chair and shall include at least one 396 board member who shall serv e as chair. 397 Section 6. Paragraph (b) of subsection (4) of section 398 466.006, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 399 466.006 Examination of dentists. — 400 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 17 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S (4) Notwithstanding any other provision of law in chapter 401 456 pertaining to the clinical dental licen sure examination or 402 national examinations, to be licensed as a dentist in this 403 state, an applicant must successfully complete both of the 404 following: 405 (b) A practical or clinical examination, which must be the 406 American Dental Licensing Examination produced by the American 407 Board of Dental Examiners, Inc., or its successor entity, if 408 any, which is administered in this state, provided that the 409 board has attained, and continues to maintain thereafter, 410 representation on the board of directors of the American Boa rd 411 of Dental Examiners, the examination development committee of 412 the American Board of Dental Examiners, and such other 413 committees of the American Board of Dental Examiners as the 414 board deems appropriate by rule to assure that the standards 415 established herein are maintained organizationally. 416 1. As an alternative to such practical or clinical 417 examination, an applicant may submit scores from an American 418 Dental Licensing Examination previously administered in a 419 jurisdiction other than this state after Octobe r 1, 2011, and 420 such examination results are recognized as valid for the purpose 421 of licensure in this state. A passing score on the American 422 Dental Licensing Examination administered out of state is the 423 same as the passing score for the American Dental Lice nsing 424 Examination administered in this state. The applicant must have 425 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 18 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S completed the examination after October 1, 2011. This 426 subparagraph may not be given retroactive application. 427 2. If the date of an applicant's passing American Dental 428 Licensing Examination scores from an examination previously 429 administered in a jurisdiction other than this state under 430 subparagraph 1. is older than 365 days, such scores are 431 nevertheless valid for the purpose of licensure in this state, 432 but only if the applicant demonstrat es that all of the following 433 additional standards have been met: 434 a. The applicant completed the American Dental Licensing 435 Examination after October 1, 2011. This sub -subparagraph may not 436 be given retroactive application. 437 b. The applicant graduated from a dental school accredited 438 by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental 439 Accreditation or its successor entity, if any, or any other 440 dental accrediting organization recognized by the United States 441 Department of Education. Provided, however, if t he applicant did 442 not graduate from such a dental school, the applicant may submit 443 proof of having successfully completed a full -time supplemental 444 general dentistry program accredited by the American Dental 445 Association Commission on Dental Accreditation of at least 2 446 consecutive academic years at such accredited sponsoring 447 institution. Such program must provide didactic and clinical 448 education at the level of a D.D.S. or D.M.D. program accredited 449 by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental 450 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 19 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S Accreditation. For purposes of this sub -subparagraph, a 451 supplemental general dentistry program does not include an 452 advanced education program in a dental specialty. 453 c. The applicant currently possesses a valid and active 454 dental license in good standing, with no restriction, which has 455 never been revoked, suspended, restricted, or otherwise 456 disciplined, from another state or territory of the United 457 States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto 458 Rico. 459 d. The applicant must disclose to the board d uring the 460 application process if he or she has been reported to the 461 National Practitioner Data Bank, the Healthcare Integrity and 462 Protection Data Bank, or the American Association of Dental 463 Boards Clearinghouse. This sub -subparagraph does not apply if 464 the applicant successfully appealed to have his or her name 465 removed from the data banks of these agencies. 466 e.(I)(A) The applicant submits proof of having been 467 consecutively engaged in the full -time practice of dentistry in 468 another state or territory of the U nited States, the District of 469 Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in the 5 years 470 immediately preceding the date of application for licensure in 471 this state; or 472 (B) If the applicant has been licensed in another state or 473 territory of the United Sta tes, the District of Columbia, or the 474 Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for less than 5 years, the applicant 475 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 20 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S submits proof of having been engaged in the full -time practice 476 of dentistry since the date of his or her initial licensure. 477 (II) As used in this sectio n, "full-time practice" is 478 defined as a minimum of 1,200 hours per year for each year in 479 the consecutive 5-year period or, when applicable, the period 480 since initial licensure, and must include any combination of the 481 following: 482 (A) Active clinical practic e of dentistry providing direct 483 patient care. 484 (B) Full-time practice as a faculty member employed by a 485 dental, dental therapy, or dental hygiene school approved by the 486 board or accredited by the American Dental Association 487 Commission on Dental Accreditat ion. 488 (C) Full-time practice as a student at a postgraduate 489 dental education program approved by the board or accredited by 490 the American Dental Association Commission on Dental 491 Accreditation. 492 (III) The board shall develop rules to determine what type 493 of proof of full-time practice is required and to recoup the 494 cost to the board of verifying full -time practice under this 495 section. Such proof must, at a minimum, be: 496 (A) Admissible as evidence in an administrative 497 proceeding; 498 (B) Submitted in writing; 499 (C) Further documented by an applicant's annual income tax 500 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 21 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S return filed with the Internal Revenue Service for each year in 501 the preceding 5-year period or, if the applicant has been 502 practicing for less than 5 years, the period since initial 503 licensure; and 504 (D) Specifically found by the board to be both credible 505 and admissible. 506 (IV) The board may excuse applicants from the 1,200 -hour 507 requirement in the event of hardship, as defined by the board. 508 f. The applicant submits documentation that he or she has 509 completed, or will complete before he or she is licensed in this 510 state, continuing education equivalent to this state's 511 requirements for the last full reporting biennium. 512 g. The applicant proves that he or she has never been 513 convicted of, or pled nolo co ntendere to, regardless of 514 adjudication, any felony or misdemeanor related to the practice 515 of a health care profession in any jurisdiction. 516 h. The applicant has successfully passed a written 517 examination on the laws and rules of this state regulating the 518 practice of dentistry and the computer -based diagnostic skills 519 examination. 520 i. The applicant submits documentation that he or she has 521 successfully completed the applicable examination administered 522 by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations o r its 523 successor organization. 524 Section 7. Subsection (1) of section 466.009, Florida 525 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 22 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S Statutes, is amended, and subsection (4) is added to that 526 section, to read: 527 466.009 Reexamination. — 528 (1) Any person who fails an examination that is required 529 under s. 466.006, or s. 466.007, or s. 466.0225 may retake the 530 examination. 531 (4) If an applicant for a license to practice dental 532 therapy fails the practical or clinical examination and she or 533 he has failed only one part or procedure of such examination, 534 she or he may be required to retake only that part or procedure 535 to pass such examination. However, if any such applicant fails 536 more than one part or procedure of any such examination, she or 537 he must be required to retake the entire examination. 538 Section 8. Section 466.011, Florida Statutes, is amended 539 to read: 540 466.011 Licensure.—The board shall certify for licensure 541 by the department any applicant who satisfies the requirements 542 of s. 466.006, s. 466.0067, or s. 466.007, or s. 466.0225. The 543 board may refuse to certify an applicant who has violated any of 544 the provisions of s. 466.026 or s. 466.028. 545 Section 9. Section 466.0136, Florida Statutes, is created 546 to read: 547 466.0136 Continuing education; dental therapists. —In 548 addition to any other requirements for r elicensure for dental 549 therapists specified in this chapter, the board shall require 550 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 23 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S each licensed dental therapist to complete at least 24 hours, 551 but not more than 36 hours, biennially of continuing education 552 in dental subjects in programs approved by the board or in 553 equivalent programs of continuing education. Programs of 554 continuing education approved by the board must be programs of 555 learning which, in the opinion of the board, contribute directly 556 to the dental education of the dental therapist. An individ ual 557 who is licensed as both a dental therapist and a dental 558 hygienist may use 2 hours of continuing education that is 559 approved for both dental therapy and dental hygiene education to 560 satisfy both dental therapy and dental hygiene continuing 561 education requirements. The board shall adopt rules and 562 guidelines to administer and enforce this section. The dental 563 therapist shall retain in her or his records any receipts, 564 vouchers, or certificates necessary to document completion of 565 the continuing education. Compli ance with the continuing 566 education requirements is mandatory for issuance of the renewal 567 certificate. The board may excuse licensees, as a group or as 568 individuals, from all or part of the continuing education 569 requirements if an unusual circumstance, emerge ncy, or hardship 570 prevents compliance with this section. 571 Section 10. Subsection (1) of section 466.016, Florida 572 Statutes, is amended to read: 573 466.016 License to be displayed. — 574 (1) Every practitioner of dentistry , dental therapy, or 575 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 24 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S dental hygiene within the meaning of this chapter shall post and 576 keep conspicuously displayed her or his license in the office 577 where wherein she or he practices, in plain sight of the 578 practitioner's patients. Any dentist , dental therapist, or 579 dental hygienist who practices at more than one location must 580 display a copy of her or his license in each office where she or 581 he practices. 582 Section 11. Subsections (7) through (15) of section 583 466.017, Florida Statutes, are renumbered as subsections (8) 584 through (16), respectively, paragraphs (d) and (e) of subsection 585 (3), subsection (4), and present subsections (7), (8), and (14) 586 of that section are amended, and a new subsection (7) is added 587 to that section, to read: 588 466.017 Prescription of drugs; anesthesia. — 589 (3) The board shall adopt rules which: 590 (d) Establish further requirements relating to the use of 591 general anesthesia or sedation, including, but not limited to, 592 office equipment and the training of dental assistants , dental 593 therapists, or dental hygienists who work with de ntists using 594 general anesthesia or sedation. 595 (e) Establish an administrative mechanism enabling the 596 board to verify compliance with training, education, experience, 597 equipment, or certification requirements of dentists, dental 598 therapists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants adopted 599 pursuant to this subsection. The board may charge a fee to 600 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 25 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S defray the cost of verifying compliance with requirements 601 adopted pursuant to this paragraph. 602 (4) A dentist, dental therapist, or dental hygienist who 603 administers or employs the use of any form of anesthesia must 604 possess a certification in either basic cardiopulmonary 605 resuscitation for health professionals or advanced cardiac life 606 support approved by the American Heart Association or the 607 American Red Cross or an eq uivalent agency-sponsored course with 608 recertification every 2 years. Each dental office that which 609 uses any form of anesthesia must have immediately available and 610 in good working order such resuscitative equipment, oxygen, and 611 other resuscitative drugs as are specified by rule of the board 612 in order to manage possible adverse reactions. 613 (7) A dental therapist, under the direct supervision of a 614 dentist, may administer local anesthesia, including intraoral 615 block anesthesia or soft tissue infiltration anesthe sia if she 616 or he has completed the course described in subsection (5) and 617 presents evidence of current certification in basic or advanced 618 cardiac life support. 619 (8) A dental therapist providing services in a mobile 620 dental unit, under the general supervisi on of a dentist, may 621 administer local anesthesia, including intraoral block 622 anesthesia or soft tissue infiltration anesthesia, if she or he 623 has completed the course described in subsection (5) and 624 presents evidence of current certification in basic or adva nced 625 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 26 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S life support. 626 (9)(7) A licensed dentist, or a dental therapist who is 627 authorized by her or his supervising dentist, may operate 628 utilize an X-ray machine, expose dental X -ray films, and 629 interpret or read such films. Notwithstanding The provisions of 630 part IV of chapter 468 to the contrary notwithstanding , a 631 licensed dentist, or a dental therapist who is authorized by her 632 or his supervising dentist, may authorize or direct a dental 633 assistant to operate such equipment and expose such films under 634 her or his direction and supervision, pursuant to rules adopted 635 by the board in accordance with s. 466.024 which ensure that the 636 said assistant is competent by reason of training and experience 637 to operate the X-ray said equipment in a safe and efficient 638 manner. The board may charge a fee not to exceed $35 to defray 639 the cost of verifying compliance with requirements adopted 640 pursuant to this section. 641 (10)(8) Notwithstanding The provisions of s. 465.0276 642 notwithstanding, a dentist need not register with the board o r 643 comply with the continuing education requirements of that 644 section if the dentist confines her or his dispensing activity 645 to the dispensing of fluorides and chlorhexidine chlorohexidine 646 rinse solutions; provided that the dentist complies with and is 647 subject to all laws and rules applicable to pharmacists and 648 pharmacies, including, but not limited to, chapters 465, 499, 649 and 893, and all applicable federal laws and regulations, when 650 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 27 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S dispensing such products. 651 (16)(14) As used in subsections (11)-(15) (9)-(13), the 652 term "adverse incident" means any mortality that occurs during 653 or as the result of a dental procedure, or an incident that 654 results in a temporary or permanent physical or mental injury 655 that requires hospitalization or emergency room treatment of a 656 dental patient which occurs during or as a direct result of the 657 use of general anesthesia, deep sedation, moderate sedation, 658 pediatric moderate sedation, oral sedation, minimal sedation 659 (anxiolysis), nitrous oxide, or local anesthesia. 660 Section 12. Subsection (1) of section 466.018, Florida 661 Statutes, is amended to read: 662 466.018 Dentist of record; patient records. — 663 (1) Each patient must shall have a dentist of record. The 664 dentist of record shall remain primarily responsible for all 665 dental treatment on such patient regardless of whether the 666 treatment is rendered by that the dentist or by another dentist, 667 a dental therapist, a dental hygienist, or a dental assistant 668 rendering such treatment in conjunction with, at the direction 669 or request of, or un der the supervision of such dentist of 670 record. The dentist of record must shall be identified in the 671 record of the patient. If treatment is rendered by a dentist 672 other than the dentist of record or by a dental hygienist , 673 dental therapist, or dental assistant, the name or initials of 674 such person must shall be placed in the record of the patient. 675 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 28 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S In any disciplinary proceeding brought pursuant to this chapter 676 or chapter 456, it must shall be presumed as a matter of law 677 that treatment was rendered by the denti st of record unless 678 otherwise noted on the patient record pursuant to this section. 679 The dentist of record and any other treating dentist are subject 680 to discipline pursuant to this chapter or chapter 456 for 681 treatment rendered to the patient and performed i n violation of 682 such chapter. One of the purposes of this section is to ensure 683 that the responsibility for each patient is assigned to one 684 dentist in a multidentist practice of any nature and to assign 685 primary responsibility to the dentist for treatment ren dered by 686 a dental hygienist, dental therapist, or dental assistant under 687 her or his supervision. This section may shall not be construed 688 to assign any responsibility to a dentist of record for 689 treatment rendered pursuant to a proper referral to another 690 dentist who does not in practice with the dentist of record or 691 to prohibit a patient from voluntarily selecting a new dentist 692 without permission of the dentist of record. 693 Section 13. Section 466.0225, Florida Statutes, is created 694 to read: 695 466.0225 Examination of dental therapists; licensing. — 696 (1) Any person desiring to be licensed as a dental 697 therapist must apply to the department to take the licensure 698 examinations and shall verify the information required on the 699 application by oath. The application must include two recent 700 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 29 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S photographs of the a pplicant. 701 (2) An applicant is entitled to take the examinations 702 required under this section and receive licensure to practice 703 dental therapy in this state if the applicant meets all of the 704 following criteria: 705 (a) Is 18 years of age or older. 706 (b) Is a graduate of a dental therapy college or school 707 accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on 708 Dental Accreditation or its successor entity, if any, or any 709 other dental therapy accrediting entity recognized by the United 710 States Department of E ducation. For applicants applying for a 711 dental therapy license before January 1, 2030, the board must 712 approve the applicant's dental therapy education program if the 713 program was administered by a college or school that operates an 714 accredited dental or dent al hygiene program and the college or 715 school certifies to the board that the applicant's education 716 substantially conformed to the education standards established 717 by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental 718 Accreditation or its successor entity. 719 (c) Has successfully completed a dental therapy practical 720 or clinical examination produced by the American Board of Dental 721 Examiners, Inc., (ADEX) or its successor entity, if any, if the 722 board finds that the successor entity's examination meets or 723 exceeds the requirements of this section. If an applicant fails 724 to pass such an examination after three attempts, the applicant 725 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 30 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S is not eligible to retake the examination unless the applicant 726 completes additional education requirements as specified by the 727 board. If a dental therapy examination has not been established 728 by ADEX, the board must administer or approve an alternative 729 examination. 730 (d) Has not been disciplined by a board, except for 731 citation offenses or minor violations. 732 (e) Has not been convicted of or pled nolo contendere to, 733 regardless of adjudication, any felony or misdemeanor related to 734 the practice of a health care profession. 735 (f) Has successfully completed a written examination on 736 the laws and rules of this state regulating the practice of 737 dental therapy. 738 (3) An applicant who meets the requirements of this 739 section and who has successfully completed an examination 740 identified in paragraph (2)(c) in a jurisdiction other than this 741 state, or who has successfully completed a comparable 742 examination administered or approved by the licensing authority 743 in a jurisdiction other than this state, must be licensed to 744 practice dental therapy in this state if the board determines 745 that the other jurisdiction's examination is substantially 746 similar to those iden tified in paragraph (2)(c). 747 Section 14. Section 466.0227, Florida Statutes, is created 748 to read: 749 466.0227 Dental therapists; scope and area of practice. — 750 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 31 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S (1) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a dental 751 therapist may perform the dental the rapy services specified in 752 subsection (2) under the general supervision of a dentist if 753 providing services in a mobile dental unit and under direct 754 supervision of a dentist in all other service scenarios to the 755 extent authorized by the supervising dentist and provided within 756 the terms of a written collaborative management agreement signed 757 by the dental therapist and the supervising dentist which meets 758 the requirements of subsection (3). 759 (2) Dental therapy services include all of the following: 760 (a) All services, treatments, and competencies identified 761 by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental 762 Accreditation in the commission's Accreditation Standards for 763 Dental Therapy Education Programs. 764 (b) The following state -specific services, if the de ntal 765 therapist's education included curriculum content satisfying the 766 American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation 767 criteria for state-specific dental therapy services: 768 1. Evaluating radiographs. 769 2. Placement of space maintainers. 770 3. Pulpotomies on primary teeth. 771 4. Dispensing and administering nonopioid analgesics, 772 including nitrous oxide, anti -inflammatories, and antibiotics, 773 as authorized by the supervising dentist and within the 774 parameters of the collaborative management agreeme nt. 775 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 32 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S 5. Oral evaluation and assessment of dental disease and 776 formulation of an individualized treatment plan if authorized by 777 the supervising dentist and subject to any conditions, 778 limitations, and protocols specified by the supervising dentist 779 in the collaborative management agreement. 780 (3) Before performing any of the services authorized in 781 subsection (2), a dental therapist must enter into a written 782 collaborative management agreement with a supervising dentist. 783 The agreement must be signed by the denta l therapist and the 784 supervising dentist and must include all of the following 785 information: 786 (a) Practice settings where services may be provided by 787 the dental therapist and the populations to be served by the 788 dental therapist. 789 (b) Any limitations on the services that may be provided 790 by the dental therapist, including the level of supervision 791 required by the supervising dentist. This may include 792 telehealth. 793 (c) Age-specific and procedure -specific practice protocols 794 for the dental therapist, including case selection criteria, 795 assessment guidelines, and imaging frequency. 796 (d) A procedure for creating and maintaining dental 797 records for the patients who are treated by the dental 798 therapist. 799 (e) A plan to manage medical emergencies in each practice 800 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 33 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S setting where the dental therapist provides care. 801 (f) A quality assurance plan for monitoring care provided 802 by the dental therapist, including patient care review, referral 803 follow-up, and a quality assurance chart review. 804 (g) Protocols for the dental therap ist to administer and 805 dispense medications, including the specific conditions and 806 circumstances under which the medications are to be dispensed 807 and administered. 808 (h) Criteria relating to the provision of care by the 809 dental therapist to patients with spec ific medical conditions or 810 complex medication histories, including requirements for 811 consultation before the initiation of care. 812 (i) Supervision criteria of dental therapists. 813 (j) A plan for the provision of clinical resources and 814 referrals in situation s that are beyond the capabilities of the 815 dental therapist. 816 (4) A supervising dentist shall determine the number of 817 hours of practice that a dental therapist must complete under 818 direct or indirect supervision of the supervising dentist before 819 the dental therapist may perform any of the services authorized 820 in subsection (2) under general or direct supervision. 821 (5) A supervising dentist may restrict or limit the dental 822 therapist's practice in the written collaborative management 823 agreement to be less than the full scope of practice for dental 824 therapists which is authorized in subsection (2). 825 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 34 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S (6) A supervising dentist may authorize a dental therapist 826 to provide dental therapy services to a patient before the 827 supervising dentist examines or diagnoses the pa tient if the 828 authority, conditions, and protocols are established in a 829 written collaborative management agreement and if the patient is 830 subsequently referred to a dentist for any needed additional 831 services that exceed the dental therapist's scope of practi ce or 832 authorization under the collaborative management agreement. 833 (7) A supervising dentist must be licensed and practicing 834 in this state. The supervising dentist is responsible for all 835 services authorized and performed by the dental therapist 836 pursuant to the collaborative management agreement and for 837 providing or arranging followup services to be provided by a 838 dentist for any additional services that exceed the dental 839 therapist's scope of practice or authorization under the 840 collaborative management agree ment. 841 Section 15. Section 466.026, Florida Statutes, is amended 842 to read: 843 466.026 Prohibitions; penalties. — 844 (1) Each of the following acts constitutes a felony of the 845 third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, 846 or s. 775.084: 847 (a) Practicing dentistry , dental therapy, or dental 848 hygiene unless the person has an appropriate, active license 849 issued by the department pursuant to this chapter. 850 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 35 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S (b) Using or attempting to use a license issued pursuant 851 to this chapter which license has been suspended or revoked. 852 (c) Knowingly employing any person to perform duties 853 outside the scope allowed such person under this chapter or the 854 rules of the board. 855 (d) Giving false or forged evidence to the department or 856 board for the purpose of obtain ing a license. 857 (e) Selling or offering to sell a diploma conferring a 858 degree from a dental college , or dental hygiene school or 859 college, or dental therapy school or college, or a license 860 issued pursuant to this chapter, or procuring such diploma or 861 license with intent that it will shall be used as evidence of 862 that which the document stands for, by a person other than the 863 one upon whom it was conferred or to whom it was granted. 864 (2) Each of the following acts constitutes a misdemeanor 865 of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 866 775.083: 867 (a) Using the name or title "dentist," the letters 868 "D.D.S." or "D.M.D.", or any other words, letters, title, or 869 descriptive matter which in any way represents a person as being 870 able to diagnose, treat, prescribe, or operate for any disease, 871 pain, deformity, deficiency, injury, or physical condition of 872 the teeth or jaws or oral -maxillofacial region unless the person 873 has an active dentist's license issued by the department 874 pursuant to this chapter. 875 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 36 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S (b) Using the name "dental hygienist" or the initials 876 "R.D.H." or otherwise holding herself or himself out as an 877 actively licensed dental hygienist or implying to any patient or 878 consumer that she or he is an actively licensed dental hygienist 879 unless that person has an active dental hygienist's license 880 issued by the department pursuant to this chapter. 881 (c) Using the name "dental therapist" or the initials 882 "D.T." or otherwise holding herself or himself out as an 883 actively licensed dental therapist or impl ying to any patient or 884 consumer that she or he is an actively licensed dental therapist 885 unless that person has an active dental therapist's license 886 issued by the department pursuant to this chapter. 887 (d)(c) Presenting as her or his own the license of 888 another. 889 (e)(d) Knowingly concealing information relative to 890 violations of this chapter. 891 (f)(e) Performing any services as a dental assistant as 892 defined herein, except in the office of a licensed dentist, 893 unless authorized by this chapter or by rule of the board. 894 Section 16. Paragraphs (b), (c), (g), (s), and (t) of 895 subsection (1) of section 466.028, Florida Statutes, are amended 896 to read: 897 466.028 Grounds for disciplinary action; action by the 898 board.— 899 (1) The following acts constitute grounds for denial of a 900 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 37 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S license or disciplinary action, as specified in s. 456.072(2): 901 (b) Having a license to practice dentistry , dental 902 therapy, or dental hygiene revoked, suspended, or otherwise 903 acted against, includ ing the denial of licensure, by the 904 licensing authority of another state, territory, or country. 905 (c) Being convicted or found guilty of or entering a plea 906 of nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a crime in 907 any jurisdiction which relates to the practice of dentistry , 908 dental therapy, or dental hygiene. A plea of nolo contendere 909 creates shall create a rebuttable presumption of guilt to the 910 underlying criminal charges. 911 (g) Aiding, assisting, procuring, or advising any 912 unlicensed person to practic e dentistry, dental therapy, or 913 dental hygiene contrary to this chapter or to a rule of the 914 department or the board. 915 (s) Being unable to practice her or his profession with 916 reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of illness or 917 use of alcohol, drugs, narcotics, chemicals, or any other type 918 of material or as a result of any mental or physical condition. 919 In enforcing this paragraph, the department shall have, upon a 920 finding of the State Surgeon General or her or his designee that 921 probable cause exists to believe that the licensee is unable to 922 practice dentistry, dental therapy, or dental hygiene because of 923 the reasons stated in this paragraph, has the authority to issue 924 an order to compel a licensee to submit to a mental or physical 925 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 38 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S examination by physicians designated by the department. If the 926 licensee refuses to comply with such order, the department's 927 order directing such examination may be enforced by filing a 928 petition for enforcement in the circuit court where the licensee 929 resides or does busine ss. The licensee against whom the petition 930 is filed may shall not be named or identified by initials in any 931 public court records or documents, and the proceedings must 932 shall be closed to the public. The department is shall be 933 entitled to the summary proced ure provided in s. 51.011. A 934 licensee affected under this paragraph must shall at reasonable 935 intervals be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate that she or 936 he can resume the competent practice of her or his profession 937 with reasonable skill and safety to p atients. 938 (t) Fraud, deceit, or misconduct in the practice of 939 dentistry, dental therapy, or dental hygiene. 940 Section 17. Paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (1) of 941 section 466.0285, Florida Statutes, are amended to read: 942 466.0285 Proprietorship by n ondentists.— 943 (1) No person other than a dentist licensed pursuant to 944 this chapter, nor any entity other than a professional 945 corporation or limited liability company composed of dentists, 946 may: 947 (a) Employ a dentist , a dental therapist, or a dental 948 hygienist in the operation of a dental office. 949 (b) Control the use of any dental equipment or material 950 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 39 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S while such equipment or material is being used for the provision 951 of dental services, whether those services are provided by a 952 dentist, a dental therapist, a dental hygienist, or a dental 953 assistant. 954 955 Any lease agreement, rental agreement, or other arrangement 956 between a nondentist and a dentist whereby the nondentist 957 provides the dentist with dental equipment or dental materials 958 shall contain a provision whereby the dentist expressly 959 maintains complete care, custody, and control of the equipment 960 or practice. 961 Section 18. Paragraph (g) of subsection (3) of section 962 921.0022, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 963 921.0022 Criminal Punishment Code; offense sever ity 964 ranking chart.— 965 (3) OFFENSE SEVERITY RANKING CHART 966 (g) LEVEL 7 967 968 Florida Statute Felony Degree Description 969 316.027(2)(c) 1st Accident involving death, failure to stop; leaving scene. 970 316.193(3)(c)2. 3rd DUI resulting in serious bodily HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 40 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S injury. 971 316.1935(3)(b) 1st Causing serious bodily injury or death to another person; driving at high speed or with wanton disregard for safety while fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement officer who is in a patrol vehicle with siren and lights activated. 972 327.35(3)(c)2. 3rd Vessel BUI resulting in serious bodily injury. 973 402.319(2) 2nd Misrepresentation and negligence or intentional act resulting in great bodily harm, permanent disfiguration, permanent disability, or death. 974 409.920 (2)(b)1.a. 3rd Medicaid provider fraud; $10,000 or less. 975 409.920 (2)(b)1.b. 2nd Medicaid provider fraud; more than $10,000, but less than HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 41 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S $50,000. 976 456.065(2) 3rd Practicing a health care profession without a license. 977 456.065(2) 2nd Practicing a health care profession without a license which results in serious bodily injury. 978 458.327(1) 3rd Practicing medicine without a license. 979 459.013(1) 3rd Practicing osteopathic medicine without a license. 980 460.411(1) 3rd Practicing chiropractic medicine without a license. 981 461.012(1) 3rd Practicing podiatric medicine without a license. 982 462.17 3rd Practicing naturopathy without a license. 983 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 42 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S 463.015(1) 3rd Practicing optometry without a license. 984 464.016(1) 3rd Practicing nursing without a license. 985 465.015(2) 3rd Practicing pharmacy without a license. 986 466.026(1) 3rd Practicing dentistry , dental therapy, or dental hygiene without a license. 987 467.201 3rd Practicing midwifery without a license. 988 468.366 3rd Delivering respiratory care services without a license. 989 483.828(1) 3rd Practicing as clinical laboratory personnel without a license. 990 483.901(7) 3rd Practicing medical physics without a license. HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 43 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S 991 484.013(1)(c) 3rd Preparing or dispensing optical devices without a prescription. 992 484.053 3rd Dispensing hearing aids without a license. 993 494.0018(2) 1st Conviction of any violation of chapter 494 in which the total money and property unlawfully obtained exceeded $50,000 and there were five or more victims. 994 560.123(8)(b)1. 3rd Failure to report currency or payment instruments exceeding $300 but less than $20,000 by a money services business. 995 560.125(5)(a) 3rd Money services business by unauthorized person, currency or payment instruments exceeding $300 but less than $20,000. 996 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 44 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S 655.50(10)(b)1. 3rd Failure to report financial transactions exceeding $300 but less than $20,000 by financial institution. 997 775.21(10)(a) 3rd Sexual predator; failure to register; failure to renew driver license or identification card; other registration violations. 998 775.21(10)(b) 3rd Sexual predator working where children regularly congregate. 999 775.21(10)(g) 3rd Failure to report or providing false information about a sexual predator; harbor or conceal a sexual predator. 1000 782.051(3) 2nd Attempted felony murder of a person by a person other than the perpetrator or the perpetrator of an attempted felony. 1001 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 45 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S 782.07(1) 2nd Killing of a human being by the act, procurement, or culpable negligence of another (manslaughter). 1002 782.071 2nd Killing of a human being or unborn child by the operation of a motor vehicle in a reckless manner (vehicular homicide). 1003 782.072 2nd Killing of a human being by the operation of a vessel in a reckless manner (vessel homicide). 1004 784.045(1)(a)1. 2nd Aggravated battery; intentionally causing great bodily harm or disfigurement. 1005 784.045(1)(a)2. 2nd Aggravated battery; using deadly weapon. 1006 784.045(1)(b) 2nd Aggravated battery; perpetrator aware victim pregnant. HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 46 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S 1007 784.048(4) 3rd Aggravated stalking; violation of injunction or court order. 1008 784.048(7) 3rd Aggravated stalking; violation of court order. 1009 784.07(2)(d) 1st Aggravated battery on law enforcement officer. 1010 784.074(1)(a) 1st Aggravated battery on sexually violent predators facility staff. 1011 784.08(2)(a) 1st Aggravated battery on a person 65 years of age or older. 1012 784.081(1) 1st Aggravated battery on specified official or employee. 1013 784.082(1) 1st Aggravated battery by detained person on visitor or other detainee. 1014 784.083(1) 1st Aggravated battery on code HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 47 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S inspector. 1015 787.06(3)(a)2. 1st Human trafficking using coercion for labor and services of an adult. 1016 787.06(3)(e)2. 1st Human trafficking using coercion for labor and services by the transfer or transport of an adult from outside Florida to within the state. 1017 790.07(4) 1st Specified weapons violation subsequent to previous conviction of s. 790.07(1) or (2). 1018 790.16(1) 1st Discharge of a machine gun under specified circumstances. 1019 790.165(2) 2nd Manufacture, sell, possess, or deliver hoax bomb. 1020 790.165(3) 2nd Possessing, displaying, or threatening to use any hoax HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 48 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S bomb while committing or attempting to commit a felony. 1021 790.166(3) 2nd Possessing, selling, using, or attempting to use a hoax weapon of mass destruction. 1022 790.166(4) 2nd Possessing, displaying, or threatening to use a hoax weapon of mass destruction while committing or attempting to commit a felony. 1023 790.23 1st,PBL Possession of a firearm by a person who qualifies for the penalty enhancements provided for in s. 874.04. 1024 794.08(4) 3rd Female genital mutilation; consent by a parent, guardian, or a person in custodial authority to a victim younger than 18 years of age. 1025 796.05(1) 1st Live on earnings of a HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 49 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S prostitute; 2nd offense. 1026 796.05(1) 1st Live on earnings of a prostitute; 3rd and subsequ ent offense. 1027 800.04(5)(c)1. 2nd Lewd or lascivious molestation; victim younger than 12 years of age; offender younger than 18 years of age. 1028 800.04(5)(c)2. 2nd Lewd or lascivious molestation; victim 12 years of age or older but younger than 16 years of age; offender 18 years of age or older. 1029 800.04(5)(e) 1st Lewd or lascivious molestation; victim 12 years of age or older but younger than 16 years; offender 18 years or older; prior conviction for specified sex offense. 1030 806.01(2) 2nd Maliciously damage structure by HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 50 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S fire or explosive. 1031 810.02(3)(a) 2nd Burglary of occupied dwelling; unarmed; no assault or battery. 1032 810.02(3)(b) 2nd Burglary of unoccupied dwelling; unarmed; no assault or battery. 1033 810.02(3)(d) 2nd Burglary of occupied conveyance; unarmed; no assault or battery. 1034 810.02(3)(e) 2nd Burglary of authorized emergency vehicle. 1035 812.014(2)(a)1. 1st Property stolen, valued at $100,000 or more or a semitrailer deployed by a law enforcement officer; property stolen while causing other property damage; 1st degree grand theft. 1036 812.014(2)(b)2. 2nd Property stolen, cargo valued HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 51 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S at less than $50,000, grand theft in 2nd degree. 1037 812.014(2)(b)3. 2nd Property stolen, emergency medical equipment; 2nd degree grand theft. 1038 812.014(2)(b)4. 2nd Property stolen, law enforcement equipment from authorized emergency vehicle. 1039 812.014(2)(g) 2nd Grand theft; second degree; firearm with previous conviction of s. 812.014(2)(c)5. 1040 812.0145(2)(a) 1st Theft from person 65 years of age or older; $50,000 or more. 1041 812.019(2) 1st Stolen property; initiates, organizes, plans, etc., the theft of property and traffics in stolen property. 1042 812.131(2)(a) 2nd Robbery by sudden snatching. HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 52 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S 1043 812.133(2)(b) 1st Carjacking; no firearm, deadly weapon, or other weapon. 1044 817.034(4)(a)1. 1st Communications fraud, value greater than $50,000. 1045 817.234(8)(a) 2nd Solicitation of motor vehicle accident victims with intent to defraud. 1046 817.234(9) 2nd Organizing, planning, or participating in an intentional motor vehicle collision. 1047 817.234(11)(c) 1st Insurance fraud; property value $100,000 or more. 1048 817.2341 (2)(b) & (3)(b) 1st Making false entries of material fact or false statements regarding property values relating to the solvency of an insuring entity which are a significant cause of the insolvency of that entity. HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 53 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S 1049 817.418(2)(a) 3rd Offering for sale or advertising personal protective equipment with intent to defraud. 1050 817.504(1)(a) 3rd Offering or advertising a vaccine with intent to defraud. 1051 817.535(2)(a) 3rd Filing false lien or other unauthorized document. 1052 817.611(2)(b) 2nd Traffic in or possess 15 to 49 counterfeit credit cards or related documents. 1053 825.102(3)(b) 2nd Neglecting an elderly person or disabled adult causing great bodily harm, disability, or disfigurement. 1054 825.103(3)(b) 2nd Exploiting an elderly person or disabled adult and property is valued at $10,000 or more, but less than $50,000. HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 54 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S 1055 827.03(2)(b) 2nd Neglect of a child causing great bodily harm, disability, or disfigurement. 1056 827.04(3) 3rd Impregnation of a child under 16 years of age by person 21 years of age or older. 1057 827.071(2) & (3) 2nd Use or induce a child in a sexual performance, or promote or direct such performance. 1058 827.071(4) 2nd Possess with intent to promote any photographic material, motion picture, etc., which includes child pornography. 1059 837.05(2) 3rd Giving false information about alleged capital felony to a law enforcement officer. 1060 838.015 2nd Bribery. 1061 838.016 2nd Unlawful compensation or reward HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 55 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S for official behavior. 1062 838.021(3)(a) 2nd Unlawful harm to a public servant. 1063 838.22 2nd Bid tampering. 1064 843.0855(2) 3rd Impersonation of a public officer or employee. 1065 843.0855(3) 3rd Unlawful simulation of legal process. 1066 843.0855(4) 3rd Intimidation of a public officer or employee. 1067 847.0135(3) 3rd Solicitation of a child, via a computer service, to commit an unlawful sex act. 1068 847.0135(4) 2nd Traveling to meet a minor to commit an unlawful sex act. 1069 872.06 2nd Abuse of a dead human body. 1070 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 56 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S 874.05(2)(b) 1st Encouraging or recruiting person under 13 to join a criminal gang; second or subsequent offense. 1071 874.10 1st,PBL Knowingly initiates, organizes, plans, finances, directs, manages, or supervises criminal gang-related activity. 1072 893.13(1)(c)1. 1st Sell, manufacture, or deliver cocaine (or other drug prohibited under s. 893.03(1)(a), (1)(b), (1)(d), (2)(a), (2)(b), or (2)(c)5.) within 1,000 feet of a child care facility, school, or state, county, or municipal park or publicly owned recreational facility or community center. 1073 893.13(1)(e)1. 1st Sell, manufacture, or deliver cocaine or other drug prohibited under s. HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 57 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S 893.03(1)(a), (1)(b), (1)(d), (2)(a), (2)(b), or (2)(c)5., within 1,000 feet of property used for religious services or a specified business site. 1074 893.13(4)(a) 1st Use or hire of minor; deliver to minor other controlled substance. 1075 893.135(1)(a)1. 1st Trafficking in cannabis, more than 25 lbs., less than 2,000 lbs. 1076 893.135 (1)(b)1.a. 1st Trafficking in cocaine, more than 28 grams, less than 200 grams. 1077 893.135 (1)(c)1.a. 1st Trafficking in illegal drugs, more than 4 grams, less than 14 grams. 1078 893.135 (1)(c)2.a. 1st Trafficking in hydrocodone, 28 grams or more, less than 50 grams. HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 58 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S 1079 893.135 (1)(c)2.b. 1st Trafficking in hydrocodone, 50 grams or more, less than 100 grams. 1080 893.135 (1)(c)3.a. 1st Trafficking in oxycodone, 7 grams or more, less than 14 grams. 1081 893.135 (1)(c)3.b. 1st Trafficking in oxycodone, 14 grams or more, less than 25 grams. 1082 893.135 (1)(c)4.b.(I) 1st Trafficking in fentanyl, 4 grams or more, less than 14 grams. 1083 893.135 (1)(d)1.a. 1st Trafficking in phencyclidine, 28 grams or more, less than 200 grams. 1084 893.135(1)(e)1. 1st Trafficking in methaqualone, 200 grams or more, less than 5 kilograms. 1085 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 59 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S 893.135(1)(f)1. 1st Trafficking in amphetamine, 14 grams or more, less than 28 grams. 1086 893.135 (1)(g)1.a. 1st Trafficking in flunitrazepam, 4 grams or more, less than 14 grams. 1087 893.135 (1)(h)1.a. 1st Trafficking in gamma- hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), 1 kilogram or more, less than 5 kilograms. 1088 893.135 (1)(j)1.a. 1st Trafficking in 1,4-Butanediol, 1 kilogram or more, less than 5 kilograms. 1089 893.135 (1)(k)2.a. 1st Trafficking in Phenethylamines, 10 grams or more, le ss than 200 grams. 1090 893.135 (1)(m)2.a. 1st Trafficking in synthetic cannabinoids, 280 grams or more, less than 500 grams. 1091 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 60 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S 893.135 (1)(m)2.b. 1st Trafficking in synthetic cannabinoids, 500 grams or more, less than 1,000 grams. 1092 893.135 (1)(n)2.a. 1st Trafficking in n-benzyl phenethylamines, 14 grams or more, less than 100 grams. 1093 893.1351(2) 2nd Possession of place for trafficking in or manufacturing of controlled substance. 1094 896.101(5)(a) 3rd Money laundering, financial transactions exceeding $3 00 but less than $20,000. 1095 896.104(4)(a)1. 3rd Structuring transactions to evade reporting or registration requirements, financial transactions exceeding $300 but less than $20,000. 1096 943.0435(4)(c) 2nd Sexual offender vacating permanent residence; failure to comply with reporting HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 61 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S requirements. 1097 943.0435(8) 2nd Sexual offender; remains in state after indicating intent to leave; failure to comply with reporting requirements. 1098 943.0435(9)(a) 3rd Sexual offender; failure to comply with reporting requirements. 1099 943.0435(13) 3rd Failure to report or providing false information about a sexual offender; harbor or conceal a sexual offender. 1100 943.0435(14) 3rd Sexual offender; failure to report and reregister; failure to respond to address verification; providing false registration information. 1101 944.607(9) 3rd Sexual offender; failure to comply with reporting requirements. HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 62 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S 1102 944.607(10)(a) 3rd Sexual offender; failure to submit to the taking of a digitized photograph. 1103 944.607(12) 3rd Failure to report or providing false information about a sexual offender; harbor or conceal a sexual offender. 1104 944.607(13) 3rd Sexual offender; failure to report and reregister; failure to respond to address verification; providing false registration information. 1105 985.4815(10) 3rd Sexual offender; failure to submit to the taking of a digitized photograph. 1106 985.4815(12) 3rd Failure to report or providing false information about a sexual offender; harbor or conceal a sexual offender. 1107 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 63 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S 985.4815(13) 3rd Sexual offender; failure to report and reregister; failure to respond to address verification; providing false registration information. 1108 Section 19. The Department of Health, in consultation with 1109 the Board of Dentistry and the Agency for Health Care 1110 Administration, shall submit a progress report to the President 1111 of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives by 1112 July 1, 2028, and a final report 4 years after the first dental 1113 therapy license is issued. The reports must include all of the 1114 following information and recommendations: 1115 (1) The progress that has been made in this state to 1116 implement dental therapy training programs, licensing, and 1117 Medicaid reimbursement. 1118 (2) Data demonstrating the effects of den tal therapy in 1119 this state on all of the following: 1120 (a) Patient access to dental services. 1121 (b) Costs to dental providers, patients, dental insurance 1122 carriers, and the state. 1123 (c) The quality and safety of dental services. 1124 (3) Specific recommendations for any necessary 1125 legislative, administrative, or regulatory reform relating to 1126 the practice of dental therapy. 1127 HB 21 2025 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb21-00 Page 64 of 64 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S (4) Any other information the department deems 1128 appropriate. 1129 Section 20. This act shall take effect July 1, 2025. 1130