TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA: Florida lawmakers have proposed House Bill 21, aiming to tackle the state’s ongoing dentist shortage by introducing a three-year dental therapist certification. This initiative, significantly shorter than the conventional eight-year pathway required to become a dentist, is designed to expand access to essential dental care, particularly in underserved areas. The bill, estimated to cost around $156,108 for implementation, would allow dental therapists to perform routine dental procedures under the supervision of licensed dentists.
Addressing a Dental Crisis in Florida
Florida has been facing what experts call a “dental crisis,” with nearly 5.9 million residents living in designated dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) as of December 31, 2024. These areas, identified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, suffer from a critical shortage of dental professionals, leaving many Floridians with limited access to oral healthcare.
According to Frank Catalanotto, president of Floridians for Dental Access, dental therapists could alleviate this issue by handling routine procedures such as fillings, simple extractions, and preventive care, while more complex cases would still require a dentist’s expertise. In an interview with Tampa Bay Times, Catalanotto highlighted that 14 states and several industrialized countries already license dental therapists to expand dental care access.
Shocking Dental Health Statistics
Florida’s lack of access to dental care is reflected in alarming statistics:
- A 2023 CareQuest Institute for Oral Health report found that children under 14 years old in Florida sought emergency dental care at one of the highest rates in the country for non-traumatic dental conditions.
- In 2021 alone, Florida hospitals billed nearly $550 million for treating preventable dental conditions in emergency departments.
- Counties such as Dixie and Glades have zero licensed dentists, while others boast more than 80 dentists per 100,000 residents, highlighting severe disparities in care distribution.
Mixed Reactions to House Bill 21
The bill has gained significant support, passing 14-1 in the House Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee. Advocates like Roy Miller, president of the American Children’s Campaign, have expressed unwavering support for the measure, emphasizing the urgent need to close the healthcare gap. “We intend on winning this,” Miller stated confidently.
However, the proposal has also met opposition from dental associations, which argue that alternative solutions could be more effective. Opponents have suggested expanding the dental student loan repayment program, offering loan forgiveness for dentists who serve Medicaid patients, and enhancing training for dental hygienists and assistants as potential alternatives to licensing dental therapists.
As House Bill 21 moves forward in the legislative process, Florida’s lawmakers, dental professionals, and advocacy groups continue to debate the most effective path to solving the state’s dental care crisis.