The Florida House of Representatives and Senate are currently considering two bills that would expand access to mobile dental clinics, according to an April 3 report by Orlando Weekly.
The two bills would allow state "health access settings" such Head Start centers or federally qualified health centers, as well as accredited dental hygiene programs, to contract with mobile dental clinics. The change would expand access to dental care to individuals living in dental health professional shortage areas.
The bills are receiving support from the Florida Dental Hygienists Association and Floridians for Dental Access, the report said.
The proposal also more clearly defines mobile dental units and requires individuals applying to take dental hygiene examinations to maintain medical malpractice insurance.