Signed by Governor Rick Snyder

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires at least 50 percent of dental therapists' patients to be low-income, disabled or uninsured.

Highlights:

• Specifies that in order to qualify for a Dental Therapist license under this act, an individual must complete at least 500 hours of supervised clinical practice under the direct supervision of a Dentist (Sec. 16651).

• Requires a Dental Therapist submit evidence and documentation of their successful completion of 35 hours of continued education in the 2 years time period prior to renewal (Sec. 16654).

• Authorizes a Dental Therapist to, upon completion of their supervised clinical practice, provide programs and services to the following communities, including, but not limited to (Sec. 16655):

• An outpatient health program or facility operated by a tribe or tribal organization under the Indian Self-Determination Act;

• A health setting in a geographic location designated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services as a Dental Shortage Area; or

• A school-based health center.

• Requires a Dental Therapist provide programs and services in a mobile dental unit or practice setting in which at least 50 percent of the total patient base consists of patients who meet any of the following conditions, including, but not limited to (Sec. 16655):

• Have a medical disability or chronic condition;

• Do not have dental health coverage either through a state public health care program or private insurance; or

• Have a family gross income equal to or less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

• Specifies that a Dental therapist may not supervise more than 3 Dental Assistants and 2 Dental Hygienists in any 1 practice setting (Sec. 16657).

• Authorizes a Dental Therapist to provide services to a patient who has not first seen a Dentist for an examination if the Supervising Dentist has given the Dental Therapist authorization and standing protocols for the services provided in a Written Practice Agreement (Sec. 16656).

• Requires a Written Practice Agreement between a Supervising Dentist and a Dental Therapist have the following information and elements, including, but not limited to (Sec. 16656):

• Any age specific and procedure specific practice protocols;

• A plan for managing medical emergencies in each practice setting;

• Protocols for administering and dispensing medications; and

• Criteria for providing care to patients with specific medical conditions or complex medical histories, including requirements for consultation before administering care.

Full Bill Text