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Allowing the licensure of dental therapists will help address Florida’s provider shortage, expand access to care, and enable dentists to handle more complicated procedures.
This fact sheet from CareQuest Institute and the Florida Dental Hygienists’ Association outlines how dental therapy can strengthen Florida’s dental care system — and what Florida policymakers can do to support the legislation.
Key Findings
- Florida ranks last nationally for children’s dental visits.
- 65 out of 67 counties in Florida have dental provider shortages, affecting access for nearly 6 million residents.
- Emergency room visits for preventable dental conditions cost Florida nearly $1 billion in 2024.
You may also be interested in:
- Children’s Use of Emergency Departments for Non-Traumatic Dental Conditions, a report exploring the high rate of ED visits for preventable dental conditions among children in Florida.
- Dental Therapy: Examining the Misconceptions and Opportunities, a webinar that discusses numerous aspects of dental therapy, including the legislative landscape, scope of practice, and real-world applications.
- Community Water Fluoridation, a web page featuring facts about the safety and effectiveness of fluoride in water to prevent dental disease.