CHAPTER 466

466.001 Legislative purpose and intent. The legislative purpose for enacting this chapter is to ensure that every dentist or dental hygienist practicing in this state meets minimum requirements for safe practice without undue clinical interference by persons not licensed under this chapter. It is the legislative intent that dental services be provided only in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and not be delegated to unauthorized individuals. It is the further legislative intent that dentists and dental hygienists who fall below minimum competency or who otherwise present a danger to the public shall be prohibited from practicing in this state. All provisions of this chapter relating to the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene shall be liberally construed to carry out such purpose and intent. History. — ss. 1, 3, ch. 79-330; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 1, 23, 24, ch. 86-291; s. 60, ch. 91-137; s. 7, ch. 91-156; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 1, ch. 97-67. 466.002 Persons exempt from operation of chapter. Nothing in this chapter shall apply to the following practices, acts, and operations: (1) The practice of her or his profession including surgical procedures involving the oral cavity by a physician or surgeon licensed as such under the laws of this state. (2) A qualified anesthetist giving an anesthetic for a dental operation under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. (3) The practice of dentistry in the discharge of their official duties by graduate dentists or dental surgeons in the United States Army, Air Force, Space Force, Marines, Navy, Public Health Service, Coast Guard, or United States Department of Veterans Affairs. (4) The practice of dentistry by licensed dentists of other states or countries at meetings of dental organizations approved by the board, while appearing as clinicians. (5) Students in Florida schools of dentistry and dental hygiene or dental assistant educational programs, while performing regularly assigned work under the curriculum of such schools. (6) Instructors in Florida schools of dentistry, instructors in dental programs that prepare persons holding D.D.S. or D.M.D. degrees for certification by a specialty board and that are accredited in the United States by January 1, 2005, in the same manner as the board recognizes accreditation for Florida schools of dentistry that are not otherwise affiliated with a Florida school of dentistry, or instructors in Florida schools of dental hygiene or dental assistant educational programs, while performing regularly assigned instructional duties under the curriculum of such schools. A full-time dental instructor at a dental school or dental program approved by the board may be allowed to practice dentistry at the teaching facilities of such school or program, upon receiving a teaching permit issued by the board, in strict compliance with such rules as are adopted by the board pertaining to the teaching permit and with the established rules and procedures of the dental school or program as recognized in this section. History. — ss. 1, 3, ch. 79-330; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 2, 23, 24, ch. 86-291; s. 60, ch. 91-137; s. 7, ch. 91-156; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 22, ch. 93-268; s. 2, ch. 94-104; s. 250, ch. 97-103; s. 1, ch. 2005-189; s. 14, ch. 2022-183. 466.003 Definitions. As used in this chapter: (1) “Board” means the Board of Dentistry. (2) “Dentist” means a person licensed to practice dentistry pursuant to this chapter. (3) “Dentistry” means the healing art which is concerned with the examination, diagnosis, treatment planning, and care of conditions within the human oral cavity and its adjacent tissues and structures. It includes the performance or attempted performance of any dental operation, or oral or oral-maxillofacial surgery and any procedures adjunct thereto, including physical evaluation directly related to such operation or surgery pursuant to hospital rules and regulations. It also includes dental service of any kind gratuitously or for any remuneration paid, or to be paid, directly or indirectly, to any person or agency. The term “dentistry” shall also include the following: (a) The taking of an impression of the human tooth, teeth, or jaws directly or indirectly and by any means or method. (b) Supplying artificial substitutes for the natural teeth or furnishing, supplying, constructing, reproducing, or repairing any prosthetic denture, bridge, appliance, or any other structure designed to be worn in the human mouth except on the written work order of a duly licensed dentist. (c) The placing of an appliance or structure in the human mouth or the adjusting or attempting to adjust the same. (d) Delivering the same to any person other than the dentist upon whose work order the work was performed. (e) Professing to the public by any method to furnish, supply, construct, reproduce, or repair any prosthetic denture, bridge, appliance, or other structure designed to be worn in the human mouth. (f) Diagnosing, prescribing, or treating or professing to diagnose, prescribe, or treat disease, pain, deformity, deficiency, injury, or physical condition of the human teeth or jaws or oral-maxillofacial region. (g) Extracting or attempting to extract human teeth. (h) Correcting or attempting to correct malformations of teeth or of jaws. (i) Repairing or attempting to repair cavities in the human teeth. (4) “Dental hygiene” means the rendering of educational, preventive, and therapeutic dental services pursuant to ss. 466.023 and 466.024 and any related extra-oral procedure required in the performance of such services. (5) “Dental hygienist” means a person licensed to practice dental hygiene pursuant to this chapter. (6) “Dental assistant” means a person, other than a dental hygienist, who, under the supervision and authorization of a dentist, provides dental care services directly to a patient. This term shall not include a certified registered nurse anesthetist licensed under part I of chapter 464. (7) “Department” means the Department of Health. (8) “Digital scanning” means the use of digital technology that creates a computer-generated replica of the hard and soft tissue of the oral cavity using enhanced digital photography, lasers, or other optical scanning devices. (9) “Direct supervision” means supervision whereby a dentist diagnoses the condition to be treated, a dentist authorizes the procedure to be performed, a dentist remains on the premises while the procedures are performed, and a dentist approves the work performed before dismissal of the patient. (10) “Indirect supervision” means supervision whereby a dentist authorizes the procedure and a dentist is on the premises while the procedures are performed. (11) “General supervision” means supervision whereby a dentist authorizes the procedures which are being carried out but need not be present when the authorized procedures are being performed. The authorized procedures may also be performed at a place other than the dentist’s usual place of practice. The issuance of a written work authorization to a commercial dental laboratory by a dentist does not constitute general supervision. (12) “Irremediable tasks” are those intraoral treatment tasks which, when performed, are irreversible and create unalterable changes within the oral cavity or the contiguous structures or which cause an increased risk to the patient. The administration of anesthetics other than topical anesthesia is considered to be an “irremediable task” for purposes of this chapter. (13) “Remediable tasks” are those intraoral treatment tasks which are reversible and do not create unalterable changes within the oral cavity or the contiguous structures and which do not cause an increased risk to the patient. (14) “Oral and maxillofacial surgery” means the specialty of dentistry involving diagnosis, surgery, and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects involving the functional and esthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial regions. This term may not be construed to apply to any individual exempt under s. 466.002(1). (15) “Health access setting” means a program or an institution of the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Health, the Department of Juvenile Justice, a nonprofit community health center, a Head Start center, a federally qualified health center or look-alike as defined by federal law, a school-based prevention program, a clinic operated by an accredited college of dentistry, or an accredited dental hygiene program in this state if such community service program or institution immediately reports to the Board of Dentistry all violations of s. 466.027, s. 466.028, or other practice act or standard of care violations related to the actions or inactions of a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant engaged in the delivery of dental care in such setting. (16) “School-based prevention program” means preventive oral health services offered at a school by one of the entities defined in subsection (15) or by a nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under s. 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, and described in s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. History. — ss. 1, 3, ch. 79-330; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 3, 23, 24, ch. 86-291; s. 60, ch. 91-137; s. 7, ch. 91-156; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 1, ch. 94-104; s. 126, ch. 94-218; s. 2, ch. 97-67; s. 107, ch. 97-264; s. 130, ch. 2000-318; s. 1, ch. 2008-64; s. 4, ch. 2011-95; s. 270, ch. 2014-19; s. 1, ch. 2024-214. 466.004 Board of Dentistry. (1) To carry out the provisions of this chapter, there is created within the department the Board of Dentistry consisting of 11 members who shall be appointed by the Governor and subject to confirmation by the Senate. Seven members of the board must be licensed dentists actively engaged in the clinical practice of dentistry in this state; two members must be licensed dental hygienists actively engaged in the practice of dental hygiene in this state; and the remaining two members must be laypersons who are not, and have never been, dentists, dental hygienists, or members of any closely related profession or occupation. Each member of the board who is a licensed dentist must have been actively engaged in the practice of dentistry primarily as a clinical practitioner for at least 5 years immediately preceding the date of her or his appointment to the board and must remain primarily in clinical practice during all subsequent periods of appointment to the board. Each member of the board who is connected in any way with any dental college or community college must be in compliance with s. 456.007. At least one member of the board must be 60 years of age or older. Members shall be appointed for 4-year terms, but may serve no more than a total of 10 years. (2) To advise the board, it is the intent of the Legislature that councils be appointed as specified in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c). The department shall provide administrative support to the councils and shall provide public notice of meetings and agenda of the councils. Councils shall include at least one board member who shall chair the council and shall include nonboard members. All council members shall be appointed by the board chair. Council members shall be appointed for 4-year terms, and all members shall be eligible for reimbursement of expenses in the manner of board members. (a) A Council on Dental Hygiene shall be appointed by the board chair and shall include one dental hygienist member of the board, who shall chair the council, one dental member of the board, and three dental hygienists who are actively engaged in the practice of dental hygiene in this state. In making the appointments, the chair shall consider recommendations from the Florida Dental Hygiene Association. The council shall meet at the request of the board chair, a majority of the members of the board, or the council chair; however, the council must meet at least three times a year. The council is charged with the responsibility of and shall meet for the purpose of developing rules and policies for recommendation to the board, which the board shall consider, on matters pertaining to that part of dentistry consisting of educational, preventive, or therapeutic dental hygiene services; dental hygiene licensure, discipline, or regulation; and dental hygiene education. Rule and policy recommendations of the council shall be considered by the board at its next regularly scheduled meeting in the same manner in which it considers rule and policy recommendations from designated subcommittees of the board. Any rule or policy proposed by the board pertaining to the specified part of dentistry defined by this subsection shall be referred to the council for a recommendation before final action by the board. The board may take final action on rules pertaining to the specified part of dentistry defined by this subsection without a council recommendation if the council fails to submit a recommendation in a timely fashion as prescribed by the board. (b) A Council on Dental Assisting shall be appointed by the board chair and shall include one board member who shall chair the council and three dental assistants who are actively engaged in dental assisting. The council shall meet at the request of the board chair or a majority of the members of the board. The council shall meet for the purpose of developing recommendations to the board on matters pertaining to that part of dentistry related to dental assisting. (c) With the concurrence of the State Surgeon General, the board chair may create and abolish other advisory councils relating to dental subjects, including, but not limited to: examinations, access to dental care, indigent care, nursing home and institutional care, public health, disciplinary guidelines, and other subjects as appropriate. Such councils shall be appointed by the board chair and shall include at least one board member who shall serve as chair. (3) The board shall maintain its headquarters in Tallahassee. (4) The board is authorized to adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this chapter and chapter 456, including the establishment of a fee to defray the cost of duplicating any license certification or permit, not to exceed $10 per duplication. (5) The board is authorized to publish and distribute such pamphlets, newsletters, and other publications as are reasonably necessary. (6) All provisions of chapter 456 relating to the board shall apply. History. — ss. 1, 3, ch. 79-330; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 4, 23, 24, ch. 86-291; s. 17, ch. 87-172; s. 47, ch. 90-228; s. 1, ch. 90-341; s. 60, ch. 91-137; s. 7, ch. 91-156; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 97, ch. 92-149; s. 127, ch. 94-218; s. 1, ch. 96-281; s. 1107, ch. 97-103; s. 69, ch. 98-166; s. 128, ch. 98-200; s. 55, ch. 99-5; s. 1, ch. 99-183; s. 1, ch. 2000-115; s. 128, ch. 2000-160; s. 2, ch. 2005-189; s. 55, ch. 2006-1; s. 85, ch. 2008-6. 466.005 Expert witness certificate. (1)(a) The department shall issue a certificate authorizing a dentist who holds an active and valid license to practice dentistry in another state or a province of Canada to provide expert testimony in this state, if the dentist submits to the department: 1. A complete registration application containing the dentist’s legal name, mailing address, telephone number, business locations, the names of the jurisdictions where the dentist holds an active and valid license to practice dentistry, and the license number or other identifying number issued to the dentist by the jurisdiction’s licensing entity; and 2. An application fee of $50. (b) The department shall approve an application for an expert witness certificate within 10 business days after receipt of the completed application and payment of the application fee if the applicant holds an active and valid license to practice dentistry in another state or a province of Canada and has not had a previous expert witness certificate revoked by the board. An application is approved by default if the department does not act upon the application within the required period. A dentist must notify the department in writing of his or her intent to rely on a certificate approved by default. (c) An expert witness certificate is valid for 2 years after the date of issuance. (2) An expert witness certificate authorizes the dentist to whom the certificate is issued to do only the following: (a) Provide a verified written medical expert opinion as provided in s. 766.203. (b) Provide expert testimony about the prevailing professional standard of care in connection with medical negligence litigation pending in this state against a dentist licensed under this chapter. (3) An expert witness certificate does not authorize a dentist to engage in the practice of dentistry as defined in s. 466.003. A dentist issued a certificate under this section who does not otherwise practice dentistry in this state is not required to obtain a license under this chapter or pay any license fees. An expert witness certificate shall be treated as a license in any disciplinary action, and the holder of an expert witness certificate shall be subject to discipline by the board. History. — s. 6, ch. 2011-233. 466.006 Examination of dentists. (1)(a) It is the intent of the Legislature to reduce the costs associated with an independent state-developed practical or clinical examination to measure an applicant’s ability to practice the profession of dentistry and to use the American Dental Licensing Examination developed by the American Board of Dental Examiners, Inc., in lieu of an independent state-developed practical or clinical examination. The Legislature finds that the American Dental Licensing Examination, in both its structure and function, consistently meets generally accepted testing standards and has been found, as it is currently organized and operating, to adequately and reliably measure an applicant’s ability to practice the profession of dentistry. (b)1. Any person desiring to be licensed as a dentist must apply to the department. There is an application fee set by the board which may not exceed $100 and is nonrefundable. 2. Applicants for licensure must also submit to background screening in accordance with s. 456.0135. (2) The department shall license an applicant who the board certifies meets all of the following criteria: (a) Is 18 years of age or older. (b)1. Is a graduate of a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation or its successor entity, if any, or any other dental accrediting entity recognized by the United States Department of Education; or 2. Is a dental student at an accredited dental school who has completed all the coursework necessary to prepare the student to perform the clinical and diagnostic procedures required to pass the licensure examinations. A dental school student who takes the licensure examinations during the student’s final year of an approved dental school must graduate before being certified for licensure pursuant to s. 466.011. (c) Has successfully completed the examination administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations or its successor organization. (3) If an applicant is a graduate of a dental college or school not accredited in accordance with paragraph (2)(b) or of a dental college or school not approved by the board, the applicant is not entitled to take the examinations required in this section to practice dentistry until she or he satisfies one of the following: (a) Completes a program of study, as defined by the board by rule, at an accredited American dental school and demonstrates receipt of a D.D.S. or D.M.D. from said school; or (b) Submits proof of having successfully completed at least 2 consecutive academic years at a full-time supplemental general dentistry program accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. This program must provide didactic and clinical education at the level of a D.D.S. or D.M.D. program accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. For purposes of this paragraph, a supplemental general dentistry program does not include an advanced education program in a dental specialty. (4) Notwithstanding any other provision of law in chapter 456 pertaining to the clinical dental licensure examination or national examinations, to be licensed as a dentist in this state, an applicant must successfully complete both of the following: (a) A written examination on the laws and rules of the state regulating the practice of dentistry. (b) A practical or clinical examination, which must be the American Dental Licensing Examination produced by the American Board of Dental Examiners, Inc., or its successor entity, if any, which is administered in this state, provided that the board has attained, and continues to maintain thereafter, representation on the board of directors of the American Board of Dental Examiners, the examination development committee of the American Board of Dental Examiners, and such other committees of the American Board of Dental Examiners as the board deems appropriate by rule to assure that the standards established herein are maintained organizationally. 1. As an alternative to such practical or clinical examination, an applicant may submit scores from an American Dental Licensing Examination previously administered in a jurisdiction other than this state after October 1, 2011, and such examination results are recognized as valid for the purpose of licensure in this state. A passing score on the American Dental Licensing Examination administered out of state is the same as the passing score for the American Dental Licensing Examination administered in this state. The applicant must have completed the examination after October 1, 2011. This subparagraph may not be given retroactive application. 2. If the date of an applicant’s passing American Dental Licensing Examination scores from an examination previously administered in a jurisdiction other than this state under subparagraph 1. is older than 365 days, such scores are nevertheless valid for the purpose of licensure in this state, but only if the applicant demonstrates that all of the following additional standards have been met: a. The applicant completed the American Dental Licensing Examination after October 1, 2011. This sub-subparagraph may not be given retroactive application. b. The applicant graduated from a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation or its successor entity, if any, or any other dental accrediting organization recognized by the United States Department of Education. Provided, however, if the applicant did not graduate from such a dental school, the applicant may submit proof of having successfully completed a full-time supplemental general dentistry program accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation of at least 2 consecutive academic years at such accredited sponsoring institution. Such program must provide didactic and clinical education at the level of a D.D.S. or D.M.D. program accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. For purposes of this sub-subparagraph, a supplemental general dentistry program does not include an advanced education program in a dental specialty. c. The applicant currently possesses a valid and active dental license in good standing, with no restriction, which has never been revoked, suspended, restricted, or otherwise disciplined, from another state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. d. The applicant must disclose to the board during the application process if he or she has been reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank, or the American Association of Dental Boards Clearinghouse. This sub-subparagraph does not apply if the applicant successfully appealed to have his or her name removed from the data banks of these agencies. e.(I)(A) The applicant submits proof of having been consecutively engaged in the full-time practice of dentistry in another state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in the 5 years immediately preceding the date of application for licensure in this state; or (B) If the applicant has been licensed in another state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for less than 5 years, the applicant submits proof of having been engaged in the full-time practice of dentistry since the date of his or her initial licensure. (II) As used in this section, “full-time practice” is defined as a minimum of 1,200 hours per year for each year in the consecutive 5-year period or, when applicable, the period since initial licensure, and must include any combination of the following: (A) Active clinical practice of dentistry providing direct patient care. (B) Full-time practice as a faculty member employed by a dental or dental hygiene school approved by the board or accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. (C) Full-time practice as a student at a postgraduate dental education program approved by the board or accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. (III) The board shall develop rules to determine what type of proof of full-time practice is required and to recoup the cost to the board of verifying full-time practice under this section. Such proof must, at a minimum, be: (A) Admissible as evidence in an administrative proceeding; (B) Submitted in writing; (C) Further documented by an applicant’s annual income tax return filed with the Internal Revenue Service for each year in the preceding 5-year period or, if the applicant has been practicing for less than 5 years, the period since initial licensure; and (D) Specifically found by the board to be both credible and admissible. (IV) The board may excuse applicants from the 1,200-hour requirement in the event of hardship, as defined by the board. f. The applicant submits documentation that he or she has completed, or will complete before he or she is licensed in this state, continuing education equivalent to this state’s requirements for the last full reporting biennium. g. The applicant proves that he or she has never been convicted of, or pled nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, any felony or misdemeanor related to the practice of a health care profession in any jurisdiction. h. The applicant has successfully passed a written examination on the laws and rules of this state regulating the practice of dentistry and the computer-based diagnostic skills examination. i. The applicant submits documentation that he or she has successfully completed the applicable examination administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations or its successor organization. (5)(a) The practical examination required under subsection (4) is the American Dental Licensing Examination developed by the American Board of Dental Examiners, Inc., or its successor entity, if any, provided the board finds that the successor entity’s clinical examination complies with the provisions of this section, and must include, at a minimum, all of the following: 1. A comprehensive diagnostic skills examination covering the full scope of dentistry and an examination on applied clinical diagnosis and treatment planning in dentistry for dental candidates. 2. Two restorations on a manikin that has typodont teeth with simulated caries as approved by the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments. The board by rule shall determine the class of such restorations. 3. A demonstration of periodontal skills on a manikin that has typodont teeth with simulated calculus as approved by the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments. 4. A demonstration of prosthetics and restorative skills in complete and partial dentures and crowns and bridges and the utilization of practical methods of evaluation, specifically including the evaluation by the candidate of completed laboratory products such as, but not limited to, crowns and inlays filled to prepared model teeth. 5. A demonstration of restorative skills on a manikin which requires the candidate to complete procedures performed in preparation for a cast restoration. 6. A demonstration of endodontic skills. 7. A diagnostic skills examination demonstrating ability to diagnose conditions within the human oral cavity and its adjacent tissues and structures from photographs, slides, radiographs, or models pursuant to rules of the board. If an applicant fails to pass the diagnostic skills examination in three attempts, the applicant is not eligible for reexamination unless she or he completes additional educational requirements established by the board. (b) If the applicant fails to pass the clinical examination in three attempts, the applicant is not eligible for reexamination unless she or he completes additional educational requirements established by the board. (c) The board may by rule provide for additional procedures that are to be tested, provided such procedures are common to the practice of general dentistry. The board by rule shall determine the passing grade for each procedure and the acceptable variation for examiners. Such rules may not apply retroactively. History. — ss. 1, 3, ch. 79-330; ss. 13, 15, 25, 26, 30, 34, 62, ch. 80-406; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 8, 38, 41, ch. 82-179; s. 1, ch. 82-220; s. 1, ch. 83-172; s. 87, ch. 83-218; s. 4, ch. 85-156; ss. 5, 23, 24, ch. 86-291; s. 15, ch. 88-205; s. 10, ch. 89-66; s. 48, ch. 90-228; s. 2, ch. 90-341; ss. 13, 60, ch. 91-137; s. 7, ch. 91-156; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 251, ch. 97-103; s. 108, ch. 97-264; s. 1, ch. 2004-300; s. 3, ch. 2005-189; s. 2, ch. 2008-64; s. 9, ch. 2011-95; s. 1, ch. 2012-14; s. 23, ch. 2020-133; s. 1, ch. 2022-32; s. 1, ch. 2024-211; s. 12, ch. 2024-243. 466.0065 Regional licensure examinations. (1) It is the intent of the Legislature that schools of dentistry be allowed to offer regional licensure examinations to dental students who are in the final year of a program at an approved dental school for the sole purpose of facilitating the student’s licensing in other jurisdictions. This section does not allow a person to be licensed as a dentist in this state without taking the examinations as set forth in s. 466.006, nor does this section mean that regional examinations administered under this section may be substituted for complying with testing requirements under s. 466.006. (2) Each school of dentistry in this state which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Dental Association or its successor agency may, upon written approval by the Board of Dentistry, offer regional licensure examinations only to dental students in the final year of a program at an approved dental school, if the board has approved the hosting school’s written plan to comply with the following conditions: (a) A member of the regional examination body’s board of directors or equivalent thereof must be a member of the American Association of Dental Examiners. (b) The student must have successfully passed parts I and II of the National Board of Dental Examiners examination within 2 years before taking the regional examination. (c) At least one of the examination monitors must be a dentist licensed in this state who has completed all necessary standardization exercises required by the regional examination body. Recruitment of examination monitors is the responsibility of the regional examination body. (d) The board chair or the chair’s designee must be allowed to observe testing while it is in progress. (e) Each student, upon being deemed eligible by the dental school to apply to the regional examination body to take the regional examination, must receive written disclosure in at least 12-point boldface type that states: “This examination does not meet the licensure requirements of chapter 466, Florida Statutes, for licensure in the State of Florida. Persons wishing to practice dentistry in Florida must pass the Florida licensure examinations.” (f) The student must be enrolled as a dental student in the student’s final year of a program at an approved dental school that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Dental Association or its successor agency. (g) The student must have completed all coursework deemed necessary by the dental school to prepare the student to perform all clinical and diagnostic procedures required to pass the regional examination. (3) A student who takes the examination pursuant to this section, a dental school that submits a plan pursuant to this section, or a regional examination body that a dental school proposes to host under this section does not have standing to assert that a state agency has taken action for which a hearing may be sought under ss. 120.569 and 120.57. History. — s. 2, ch. 2004-300; s. 11, ch. 2011-95; s. 2, ch. 2022-32. 466.0067 Application for health access dental license. The Legislature finds that there is an important state interest in attracting dentists to practice in underserved health access settings in this state and further, that allowing out-of-state dentists who meet certain criteria to practice in health access settings without the supervision of a dentist licensed in this state is substantially related to achieving this important state interest. Therefore, notwithstanding the requirements of s. 466.006, the board shall grant a health access dental license to practice dentistry in this state in health access settings as defined in s. 466.003 to an applicant who meets all of the following criteria: (1) Files an appropriate application approved by the board. (2) Pays an application license fee for a health access dental license, laws-and-rule exam fee, and an initial licensure fee. The fees specified in this subsection may not differ from an applicant seeking licensure pursuant to s. 466.006. (3) Has submitted to background screening in accordance with s. 456.0135 and has not been convicted of or pled nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, any felony or misdemeanor related to the practice of a health care profession. (4) Submits proof of graduation from a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association or its successor agency. (5) Submits documentation that she or he has completed, or will obtain before licensure, continuing education equivalent to this state’s requirement for dentists licensed under s. 466.006 for the last full reporting biennium before applying for a health access dental license. (6) Submits proof of her or his successful completion of parts I and II of the dental examination by the National Board of Dental Examiners and a state or regional clinical dental licensing examination that the board has determined effectively measures the applicant’s ability to practice safely. (7) Currently holds a valid, active dental license in good standing which has not been revoked, suspended, restricted, or otherwise disciplined from another of the United States, the District of Columbia, or a United States territory. (8) Has never had a license revoked from another of the United States, the District of Columbia, or a United States territory. (9) Has never failed the examination specified in s. 466.006, unless the applicant was reexamined pursuant to s. 466.006 and received a license to practice dentistry in this state. (10) Has not been reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, unless the applicant successfully appealed to have his or her name removed from the data bank. (11) Submits proof that he or she has been engaged in the active, clinical practice of dentistry providing direct patient care for 5 years immediately preceding the date of application, or in instances when the applicant has graduated from an accredited dental school within the preceding 5 years, submits proof of continuous clinical practice providing direct patient care since graduation. (12) Has passed an examination covering the laws and rules of the practice of dentistry in this state as described in s. 466.006(4)(a). History. — ss. 3, 6, ch. 2008-64; s. 104, ch. 2010-5; s. 10, ch. 2011-95; s. 2, ch. 2014-108; s. 1, ch. 2020-47; s. 24, ch. 2020-133; s. 13, ch. 2024-243. 466.00671 Renewal of the health access dental license. (1) A health access dental licensee shall apply for renewal each biennium. At the time of renewal, the licensee shall sign a statement that she or he has complied with all continuing education requirements of an active dentist licensee. The board shall renew a health access dental license for an applicant who: (a) Submits documentation, as approved by the board, from the employer in the health access setting that the licensee has at all times pertinent remained an employee; (b) Has not been convicted of or pled nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, any felony or misdemeanor related to the practice of a health care profession; (c) Has paid a renewal fee set by the board. The fee specified herein may not differ from the renewal fee adopted by the board pursuant to s. 466.013. The department may provide payment for these fees through the dentist’s salary, benefits, or other department funds; (d) Has not failed the examination specified in s. 466.006 since initially receiving a health access dental license or since the last renewal; and (e) Has not been reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, unless the applicant successfully appealed to have his or her name removed from the data bank. (2) The board may undertake measures to independently verify the health access dental licensee’s ongoing employment status in the health access setting. History. — ss. 4, 6, ch. 2008-64; s. 12, ch. 2011-95; s. 2, ch. 2014-108; s. 2, ch. 2020-47; s. 25, ch. 2020-133. 466.00672 Revocation of health access dental license. (1) The board shall revoke a health access dental license upon: (a) The licensee’s termination from employment from a qualifying health access setting; (b) Final agency action determining that the licensee has violated any provision of s. 466.027 or s. 466.028, other than infractions constituting citation offenses or minor violations; or (c) Failure of the Florida dental licensure examination. (2) Failure of an individual licensed pursuant to s. 466.0067 to limit the practice of dentistry to health access settings as defined in s. 466.003 constitutes the unlicensed practice of dentistry. History. — ss. 5, 6, ch. 2008-64; s. 8, ch. 2011-95; s. 2, ch. 2014-108; s. 3, ch. 2020-47; s. 26, ch. 2020-133. 466.007 Examination of dental hygienists. (1)(a) Any person desiring to be licensed as a dental hygienist shall apply to the department to take the licensure examinations and shall verify the information required on the application by oath. The application must include two recent photographs of the applicant. There shall be a nonrefundable application fee set by the board not to exceed $100 and an examination fee set by the board not to exceed $225. The examination fee may be refunded if the applicant is found ineligible to take the examinations. (b) Applicants for licensure must also submit to background screening in accordance with s. 456.0135. (2) An applicant is entitled to take the examinations required in this section to practice dental hygiene in this state if the applicant: (a) Is 18 years of age or older. (b)1. Is a graduate of a dental hygiene college or school approved by the board or accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Dental Association or its successor entity, if any, or any other dental hygiene program accrediting entity recognized by the United States Department of Education; or 2. Is a graduate of a dental college or school accredited in accordance with s. 466.006(2)(b), or a graduate of an unaccredited dental college or school, and has met the requirements of subsection (3). (c)1. In the case of a graduate of a dental hygiene college or school under subparagraph (2)(b)1.: a. Has successfully completed the National Board of Dental Hygiene examination at any time before the date of application; b. Has been certified by the American Dental Association Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations at any time before the date of application; c. Effective January 1, 1997, has completed coursework that is comparable to an associate in science degree; d. Has not been disciplined by a board, except for citation offenses or minor violations; and e. Has not been convicted of or pled nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, any felony or misdemeanor related to the practice of a health care profession. 2. In the case of a graduate of a dental college or school under subparagraph (2)(b)2.: a. Has successfully completed the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination or the National Board Dental Examination; b. Has not been disciplined by a board, except for citation offenses or minor violations; and c. Has not been convicted of or pled nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, any felony or misdemeanor related to the practice of a health care profession. (3) A graduate of a dental college or school shall be entitled to take the examinations required in this section to practice dental hygiene in this state if, in addition to the requirements specified in subsection (2), the graduate meets the following requirements: (a) Submits the following credentials for review by the board: 1. Transcripts totaling 4 academic years of postsecondary dental education; and 2. A dental school diploma which is comparable to a D.D.S. or D.M.D. Such credentials shall be submitted in a manner provided by rule of the board. The board shall approve those credentials which comply with this paragraph and with rules of the board adopted pursuant to this paragraph. The provisions of this paragraph notwithstanding, an applicant of a foreign dental college or school not accredited in accordance with s. 466.006(2)(b) who cannot produce the credentials required by this paragraph, as a result of political or other conditions in the country in which the applicant received his or her education, may seek the board’s approval of his or her educational background by submitting, in lieu of the credentials required in this paragraph, such other reasonable and reliable evidence as may be set forth by board rule. The board shall not accept such other evidence until it has made a reasonable attempt to obtain the credentials required by this paragraph from the educational institutions the applicant is alleged to have attended, unless the board is otherwise satisfied that such credentials cannot be obtained. (b) Successfully completes one or more courses, of a scope and duration approved and defined by board rule, that meet the requirements of law for instructing health care providers on the human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome. In addition, the board may require an applicant who graduated from a nonaccredited dental college or school to successfully complete additional coursework, only after failing the initial examination, as defined by board rule, at an educational institution approved by the board or accredited as provided in subparagraph (2)(b)1. A graduate of a foreign dental college or school not accredited in accordance with s. 466.006(2)(b) may not take the coursework set forth in this paragraph until the board has approved the credentials required by paragraph (a). (4) Effective July 1, 2012, to be licensed as a dental hygienist in this state, an applicant must successfully complete the following: (a) A written examination on the laws and rules of this state regulating the practice of dental hygiene. (b) A practical or clinical examination approved by the board. The examination shall be the Dental Hygiene Examination produced by the American Board of Dental Examiners, Inc., (ADEX) or its successor entity, if any, if the board finds that the successor entity’s clinical examination meets or exceeds the provisions of this section. The board shall approve the ADEX Dental Hygiene Examination if the board has attained and continues to maintain representation on the ADEX House of Representatives, the ADEX Dental Hygiene Examination Development Committee, and such other ADEX Dental Hygiene committees as the board deems appropriate through rulemaking to ensure that the standards established in this section are maintained organizationally. The ADEX Dental Hygiene Examination or the examination produced by its successor entity is a comprehensive examination in which an applicant must demonstrate skills within the dental hygiene scope of practice on a manikin that has typodont teeth with simulated dentition and calculus as approved by the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments and any other components that the board deems necessary for the applicant to successfully demonstrate competency for the purpose of licensure. (5) Effective July 1, 2012, an applicant who has completed the ADEX Dental Hygiene Examination in a jurisdiction other than this state and who has obtained a passing score may practice dental hygiene in this state if the applicant: (a) Has successfully completed the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination at any time before the date of application; (b) Has been certified by the American Dental Association Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations at any time before the date of application, as specified by state law; (c) Has successfully completed a written examination on the laws and rules of this state regulating the practice of dental hygiene; (d) Has not been disciplined by a board, except for citation offenses or minor violations; and (e) Has not been convicted of or pled nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, any felony or misdemeanor related to the practice of a health care profession. (6)(a) A passing score on the ADEX Dental Hygiene Examination administered out of state must be considered the same as a passing score for the ADEX Dental Hygiene Examination administered in this state. (b) If an applicant fails to pass the ADEX Dental Hygiene Examination in three attempts, the applicant is not eligible to retake the examination unless the applicant completes additional education requirements as specified by the board. History. — ss. 1, 3, ch. 79-330; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 6, 23, 24, ch. 86-291; s. 16, ch. 88-205; s. 60, ch. 91-137; s. 7, ch. 91-156; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 98, ch. 92-149; s. 1, ch. 94-105; s. 2, ch. 96-281; s. 1108, ch. 97-103; s. 70, ch. 98-166; s. 129, ch. 2000-160; s. 4, ch. 2005-189; s. 11, ch. 2008-64; s. 13, ch. 2011-95; s. 2, ch. 2012-14; s. 85, ch. 2013-15; s. 27, ch. 2020-133; s. 3, ch. 2022-32; s. 14, ch. 2024-243. 466.008 Certification of foreign educational institutions. (1) The Legislature recognizes the need to ensure that graduates of foreign dental schools who have received an education which is reasonably comparable to that of similar accredited institutions in the United States and which adequately prepare their students for the practice of dentistry shall be subject to the same licensure requirements as graduates of accredited dental schools or colleges. It is the purpose of this section to provide for the evaluation of foreign dental schools and the certification of those foreign dental schools which provide an education which is reasonably comparable to that of similar accredited institutions in the United States and which adequately prepare their students for the practice of dentistry. (2) The department shall be responsible for the certification of foreign dental schools based on standards established pursuant to subsection (4). The department may contract with outside consultants or a national professional organization to survey and evaluate foreign dental schools. Such consultant or organization shall report to the department regarding its findings in the survey and evaluation. (3) The department shall establish a technical advisory group to review and comment upon the survey and evaluation of a foreign dental school contracted for pursuant to subsection (2) prior to any final action by the department regarding certification of the foreign dental school. The technical advisory group shall be selected by the department and shall consist of four dentists, two of whom shall be selected from a list of five recognized United States dental educators recommended by the foreign school seeking certification. None of the members of the technical advisory group shall be affiliated with the school seeking certification. (4) Any foreign dental school which wishes to be certified pursuant to this section shall make application to the department for such certification, which shall be based upon a finding that the educational program of the foreign dental school is reasonably comparable to that of similar accredited institutions in the United States and adequately prepares its students for the practice of dentistry. Curriculum, faculty qualifications, student attendance, plant and facilities, and other relevant factors shall be reviewed and evaluated. The board, with the cooperation of the department, shall identify by rule the standards and review procedures and methodology to be used in the certification process consistent with this subsection. The department shall not grant certification if deficiencies found are of such magnitude as to prevent the students in the school from receiving an educational base suitable for the practice of dentistry. (5) Periodic surveys and evaluations of all certified schools shall be made to ensure continued compliance with this section. Certification shall include provisional and full certification. The provisional form of certification shall be for a period determined by the department, not to exceed 3 years, and shall be granted to an institution, in accordance with rule, to provide reasonable time for the school seeking permanent certification to overcome deficiencies found by the department. Prior to the expiration of a provisional certification and before the full certification is granted, the school shall be required to submit evidence that deficiencies noted at the time of initial application have been remedied. A school granted full certification shall provide evidence of continued compliance with this section. In the event that the department denies certification or recertification, the department shall give the school a specific listing of the deficiencies which caused the denial and the requirements for remedying the deficiencies, and shall permit the school, upon request, to demonstrate by satisfactory evidence, within 90 days, that it has remedied the deficiencies listed by the department. (6) A school shall pay a registration fee established by rule of the department, not to exceed $1,000, at the time of application for certification and shall pay all reasonable costs and expenses the department expects to incur, in an amount not to exceed $40,000, for the conduct of the certification survey. (7) The department shall renew a certification upon receipt of a renewal application, accompanied by a fee not to exceed $500. Each fully certified institution shall submit a renewal application every 7 years. Any certification which is not renewed shall automatically expire. History. — s. 99, ch. 92-149. 466.009 Reexamination. (1) Any person who fails an examination that is required under s. 466.006 or s. 466.007 may retake the examination. (2) If an applicant for a license to practice dentistry fails the practical or clinical examination because of a failing grade on just one part or procedure tested, she or he shall be required to retake only that part or procedure. However, if any such applicant fails more than one part or procedure of any such examination, she or he shall be required to retake the entire examination. (3) If an applicant for a license to practice dental hygiene fails one portion of the practical or clinical examination, such applicant shall be required to retake only that portion if she or he reapplies within 12 months. If, however, the applicant fails the prophylaxis, she or he shall be required to retake the entire examination. History. — ss. 1, 3, ch. 79-330; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 23, 24, ch. 86-291; s. 60, ch. 91-137; s. 7, ch. 91-156; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 252, ch. 97-103; s. 14, ch. 2011-95; s. 2, ch. 2024-211. 466.011 Licensure. The board shall certify for licensure by the department any applicant who satisfies the requirements of s. 466.006, s. 466.0067, or s. 466.007. The board may refuse to certify an applicant who has violated any of the provisions of s. 466.026 or s. 466.028. History. — ss. 1, 3, ch. 79-330; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 23, 24, ch. 86-291; s. 50, ch. 90-228; s. 4, ch. 90-341; s. 60, ch. 91-137; s. 7, ch. 91-156; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 3, ch. 94-105; s. 3, ch. 96-281; s. 8, ch. 2008-64; s. 15, ch. 2011-95. 466.013 Renewal of license. (1) The department shall renew a license upon receipt of the renewal application and the fee set by the board not to exceed $300. (2) The department shall adopt rules establishing a procedure for the biennial renewal of licenses. History. — ss. 1, 3, ch. 79-330; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 23, 24, ch. 86-291; s. 36, ch. 89-162; s. 60, ch. 91-137; s. 7, ch. 91-156; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 180, ch. 94-119. 466.0135 Continuing education; dentists. (1) In addition to the other requirements for renewal set out in this chapter, each licensed dentist shall be required to complete biennially not less than 30 hours of continuing professional education in dental subjects, with a minimum of 2 hours of continuing education on the safe and effective prescribing of controlled substances. Programs of continuing education shall be programs of learning that contribute directly to the dental education of the dentist and may include, but shall not be limited to, attendance at lectures, study clubs, college postgraduate courses, or scientific sessions of conventions; and research, graduate study, teaching, or service as a clinician. Programs of continuing education shall be acceptable when adhering to the following general guidelines: (a) The aim of continuing education for dentists is to improve all phases of dental health care delivery to the public. (b) Continuing education courses shall address one or more of the following areas of professional development, including, but not limited to: 1. Basic medical and scientific subjects, including, but not limited to, biology, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, and pharmacology; 2. Clinical and technological subjects, including, but not limited to, clinical techniques and procedures, materials, and equipment; and 3. Subjects pertinent to oral health and safety. (c) The board may also authorize up to 3 hours of credit biennially for a practice management course that includes instruction on principles of ethical practice management, substance abuse, effective communication with patients, time management, or burnout prevention. (d) Continuing education credits shall be earned at the rate of one-half credit hour per 25-30 contact minutes of instruction and one credit hour per 50-60 contact minutes of instruction. (2) Programs meeting the general requirements of subsection (1) may be developed and offered to dentists by any of the following agencies or organizations: (a) The American Dental Association, the National Dental Association, and state, district, or local dental associations and societies affiliated with the American Dental Association or the National Dental Association. (b) National, state, district, or local dental specialty organizations affiliated with the American Dental Association. (c) Dental colleges or schools accredited as provided in this chapter. (d) Other organizations, schools, or agencies approved by the board. (3) A dentist shall complete the required continuing education as provided in this section and shall retain in her or his records any receipts, vouchers, or certificates necessary to document completion of such continuing education. (4) Compliance with the continuing education requirements of this section shall be mandatory for the issuance of a renewal certificate by the department; however, the board shall have the authority to excuse licensees, as a group or as individuals, from said requirements, or any part thereof, in the event of an unusual circumstance, emergency, or special hardship. History. — ss. 3, 5, ch. 85-156; ss. 7, 23, 24, ch. 86-291; s. 60, ch. 91-137; s. 7, ch. 91-156; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 253, ch. 97-103; s. 5, ch. 2005-189; s. 26, ch. 2016-230; s. 1, ch. 2019-111; s. 3, ch. 2024-211. 466.014 Continuing education; dental hygienists. In addition to the other requirements for relicensure for dental hygienists set out in this chapter, the board shall require each licensed dental hygienist to complete at least 24 hours but not more than 36 hours of continuing professional education in dental subjects, biennially, in programs prescribed or approved by the board or in equivalent programs of continuing education. Programs of continuing education approved by the board shall be programs of learning which, in the opinion of the board, contribute directly to the dental education of the dental hygienist. The board shall adopt rules and guidelines to administer and enforce this section. The dental hygienist shall retain in her or his records any receipts, vouchers, or certificates necessary to document completion of such continuing education. Compliance with the continuing education requirements is mandatory for issuance of the renewal certificate. The board may excuse licensees, as a group or as individuals, from all or part of the continuing education requirements if an unusual circumstance, emergency, or hardship has prevented compliance with this section. History. — ss. 1, 3, ch. 79-330; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 8, 23, 24, ch. 86-291; s. 60, ch. 91-137; s. 7, ch. 91-156; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 254, ch. 97-103; s. 122, ch. 2000-153; s. 27, ch. 2016-230. 466.015 Inactive status. (1) The board shall adopt rules relating to application procedures for inactive status, to the renewal of inactive licenses, and to the reactivation of licenses. The board shall prescribe by rule an application fee for inactive status, a biennial renewal fee for inactive status, a delinquency fee, and a fee for the reactivation of a license. None of these fees may exceed the biennial renewal fee established by the board for an active license. (2) The department shall not reactivate a license unless the inactive or delinquent licensee has paid any applicable biennial renewal or delinquency fee, or both, and a reactivation fee. History. — ss. 1, 3, ch. 79-330; s. 327, ch. 81-259; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; s. 101, ch. 83-329; ss. 9, 23, 24, ch. 86-291; s. 60, ch. 91-137; s. 7, ch. 91-156; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 181, ch. 94-119. 466.016 License to be displayed. (1) Every practitioner of dentistry or dental hygiene within the meaning of this chapter shall post and keep conspicuously displayed her or his license in the office wherein she or he practices, in plain sight of the practitioner’s patients. Any dentist or dental hygienist who practices at more than one location must display a copy of her or his license in each office where she or he practices. (2) Every dentist shall provide each of her or his patients with her or his name, contact telephone number, after-hours contact information for emergencies, and license information. (3) Any partnership, corporation, or other