H4869

To improve oral health for all Massachusetts residents

Introduced·1/5/26
Introduced Text

Massachusetts H4869 aims to improve oral health by expanding access to dental care through the introduction of licensed dental therapists.

Massachusetts H4869 seeks to enhance oral health for all residents by introducing and regulating dental therapists. These professionals, who must graduate from accredited programs and pass competency exams, can perform various dental procedures under the supervision of licensed dentists. The bill outlines specific roles and limitations for dental therapists, including their inability to dispense narcotic analgesics or practice without a supervising dentist. It also mandates that at least half of their patient panel consists of underserved individuals.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

See what it does, who it affects, and the critical issues in plain language. Free, 30 seconds.

Where it stands

Current
Ways and Means Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

0
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

History

Jul 27

House

Committee recommended bill ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means

Jul 9

House

Reporting date extended to Thursday, December 31, 2026

Jan 5

House

Reported from the committee on Public Health