2026 SFDDA Annual Business Meeting

Medicare Just Got a Little Easier: Three Things to Know

After significant advocacy efforts from the American Dental Association (ADA), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a proposed rule to rescind certain Medicare Part D and C requirements for providers. Read More

New Online Medicaid Complaint Form

The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) implemented a new online Medicaid Complaint Form on June 1. Read More

CODA Proposed Changes to Hygiene Standards — Your Voice Was Heard!

On Friday, Aug. 3, the CODA Commissioners voted to defeat the proposed motion to change the dental hygiene standards. Read More

Controlled Substances Heard in House and Senate

Legislation to limit opioid prescriptions, a high priority for the governor, awaits both Senate and House committees. Read More

FDA-Supported Student Loan Legislation Heard in Committee

The student loan legislation would encourage dentists to practice as Medicaid providers for the underserved. (VIDEO) Read More

False Comparison: Dental Therapists vs. Nurse Practitioners

Advocates proposing dental therapist legislation in Florida have compared dental therapists to nurse practitioners and physician assistants. This is a false comparison. Read More

Controlled Substances Passes First Senate Committee

Dental Therapist Bill Changed to a Study

On Monday, Jan. 29, the House Health Quality Subcommittee approved an amendment to HB 683 that removed the original language of the bill and replaced it with language to study the “affordability, access and delivery of dental care.” (VIDEO) Read More

Dental Student Loan Repayment Program Bills Still Awaiting Second Hearing

Dental Therapist Study Postponed

On Tuesday, Feb. 6, the House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee temporarily postponed CS/HB 683 by Rep. Daniel Perez (R-Miami). (VIDEO) Read More

Dental Student Loan Repayment Program Legislation Approved in Senate Committee

Controlled Substance Legislation Heads to Senate Floor

Dental Student Loan Repayment Program Legislation Passes Last Committee

The Dental Student Loan Repayment Program Legislation awaits to be heard by the Senate and the House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee. Read More

House Committee Moves Forward Revised Controlled Substances Legislation

The House Health & Human Services Committee passed CS/HB 21 by Rep. Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton) with a strikeall amendment on Wednesday, Feb. 21. The underlying premise of the bill remains the same, which is to limit the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances. Read More

Controlled Substances Bill Approved by the House

Legislation to limit the prescribing of controlled substances is approved by the House, awaits the Senate. Read More

Dental Student Loan Repayment Program Legislation Not Approved This Year

Legislation filed this year to help incentivize dentists to practice in underserved areas failed to pass the full Legislature. Read More

Legislation to Create Dental Therapists in Florida Fails to Get Support

This session proved to be a year where false comparisons and distortion of information took center stage as individuals and national organizations lobbied the Legislature to change Florida’s dental workforce. Read More

New Law Limits Prescribing of Controlled Substances

CS/CS/HB 21 was signed into law by the governor on March 19 and becomes effective on July 1, 2018. This law adds a new continuing education requirement along with limits on prescribing opioids. Read More

New! Mandatory Opioid Course for Florida-Licensed Dentists

All licensed dentists must take a two-hour continuing education (CE) course on opioid training by Jan. 31, 2019. Read More

Board of Dentistry Meets in Tallahassee

On May 18, 2018, the Board of Dentistry covered topics such as the new opioid legislation, dental therapists, restorative function, and more. Read More

What You Need to Know About Dental Therapists

This past legislative session, the Florida Dental Association (FDA) was successful in defeating legislation that would have allowed a high school graduate with three years of dental therapy training extract permanent teeth, perform partial root canals and administer local anesthesia under the general supervision of a dentist. Read More

Implementation of New Controlled Substances Legislation

As of July 1, Florida’s new law (HB 21) on the prescribing of controlled substances took effect. To make sure you are up to date on what you need to know, here’s a brief summary. Read More

AHCA Announces Prepaid Dental Contracts Under Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Program

The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) announced its intent to award contracts to MCNA Dental, DentaQuest of Florida and Liberty Dental Plan of Florida to provide dental services under the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program. The dental plans will each provide services statewide. Read More

Board of Dentistry Meets in Orlando

On Nov. 17, 2017, the Board of Dentistry heard presentations about laser therapy, hygiene, and a dental sedation center. Read More

Dr. Paramore's Update on New Opioid Law

FDA President Dr. Jolene Paramore provides an update on the new opioid legislation and awaits the next Board of Dentistry meeting. (VIDEO)

Opioid Basics, FAQs and the BOD Rule

Read the basics required by the opioid legislation passed during the 2018 Legislative Session, frequently asked questions to assist in clarifying issues that surface when implementing new legislation, and the recently finalized and approved Rule 64B5-17.0045, Standards for the Prescribing of Controlled Substances for the Treatment of Acute Pain. Read More

Board of Dentistry Meets in Tampa

On Aug. 25, 2018, the Board of Dentistry covered topics such as the radiography program and restorative function dental auxiliary proposals, anesthesia, hygienist supervision levels and the recent opioid legislation. Read More

Board of Dentistry Meets in Lake Mary

On Nov. 16, 2018, the Board of Dentistry covered topics such as anesthesia rules, the BOD budget and restorative function dental auxiliary proposal. Read More

Here's the 4-1-1 on Dental Therapy

Florida has become a targeted state for dental therapy legislation. Here's the information you need to know about what that means. Read More

Dental Therapy Bills Filed

Legislation has been filed to license dental therapists in Florida. The Florida Dental Association (FDA) is opposed to dental therapy legislation. Florida does not need another licensed dental professional. Read More

Recent Email Outreach from Pew Regarding Dental Therapy

This week you may have received an email from The Pew Charitable Trusts regarding a proposal to introduce a new licensed provider to Florida, called a dental therapist. This communication did not come through the Florida Dental Association (FDA), nor did the FDA provide member emails to this entity. Read More

Statewide Medicaid Managed Care: Continuity of Care Provisions

The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) contracts with Medicaid health and dental plans to provide services to health plan enrollees in the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program. AHCA recently entered into new contracts with health and dental plans. As part of those contracts, the ACHA achieved program changes that greatly benefit enrollees and providers. Read More

Continuity of Care Period Extended for Recipients in Regions 9, 10 and 11 for MFC Services, EIS and Child Health Services TCM

The Agency for Health Care Administration (ACHA) contracts with Medicaid health and dental plans to provide services to health plan enrollees in the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program. Read More

Dental Therapy Legislation Failed to Get Support

The Florida Dental Association (FDA) would like to thank everyone who contacted members on the Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee and asked them to VOTE NO on SB 684 and SB 686 by Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg), which would have authorized licensure for dental therapists. Read More

Statewide Task Force on Opioid Drug Abuse

On Monday, March 18, the Senate Health Policy Committee approved SB 1658 by Sen. Wilton Simpson (R-Spring Hill). Read More

FDA-supported Bills on the Move

The 2019 Legislative Session started on Tuesday, March 5 and FDA-supported bills are moving through the committee hearing process. On Monday, March 4, three FDA-supported bills unanimously passed out of the Senate Health Policy Committee. Read More

FDA Opposes Dental Therapy Legislation

The FDA opposes legislation filed to create dental therapists in Florida, which includes SB 684 and SB 686 by Sen. Brandes, HB 649 by Rep. Plasencia and HB 471 by Rep. Fernandez-Barquin. Read More

Board of Dentistry Meets in Gainesville

On Friday, Feb. 15, the Board of Dentistry covered topics such as the Dental Sedation Workshop, and revisions and modifications to several rules. Read More

Govenor Announces Task Force on Opioid Abuse

On Monday, April 1, the governor announced the creation of a Statewide Task Force on Opioid Abuse and the re-establishment of the Office of Drug Control within the Executive Office of the Governor to address Florida’s substance abuse crisis. Read More

Dental Student Loan Repayment Program

On Tuesday, April 9, SB 716 by Sen. Ed Hooper (R-Palm Harbor) passed unanimously out of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. Read More

Dental Student Loan Repayment Program

On Friday, April 26, the Senate considered CS/SB 7078 by Sen. Gayle Harrell (R-Stuart), which includes several different health care policy issues. Read More

Continuing Education for Dentists on Controlled Substances

FDA-supported legislation passed in HB 549 by Rep. Tyler Sirois (R-Merritt Island) that will require dentists to take a two-hour continuing education (CE) course on the safe and effective prescribing of controlled substances during licensure renewal. Read More

FDA's Priority Legislation Approved by the Legislature

The Florida Legislature approved the FDA’s priority legislation that reinstates the dental student loan repayment program and expands the Donated Dental Services (DDS) program in CS/HB 843 by Rep. Ana Maria Rodriguez (R-Doral). Read More

Are You Interested in Becoming a BOD Member?

Did you know there currently are two open positions on the Florida Board of Dentistry (BOD)? A dentist position and a consumer position are both vacant. Read More

FDA Applauds Signing of Dental Care Access Legislation

This week, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law HB 843, which will reestablish a dental student loan repayment program for dentists who practice as Medicaid providers serving low income patients in designated rural and underserved areas. Read More

Information on Nonopioid Alternatives for the Treatment of Pain Pamphlet

House Bill 451, Nonopioid Alternatives, was approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis and became effective on July 1. Read More

Non-DEA License Holders are Now Required to take a Two-hour Opioid Prescribing Course

New legislation requires all dentists, regardless of DEA licensing, to take a two-hour continuing education (CE) course on the safe and effective prescribing of controlled substances during licensure renewal. The license renewal deadline is Feb. 29, 2020. Read More

Florida Board of Dentistry Meets in Orlando

On Friday, May 17, the Florida Board of Dentistry (BOD) covered topics such as an interstate licensure compact, an anesthesia inspection program, sterilization rules and a proposal for RFDA for dental assistants. Read More

Dental Therapy Legislation Filed

Legislation has been filed again to create a new dental licensed provider called a dental therapist. Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) has filed SB 152. Read More

Florida Board of Dentistry Meets in Jacksonville

On Friday, Aug. 23, the Florida Board of Dentistry (BOD) covered topics such as a petition for variance of waiver of rule that requires only a dentist employ another dentist, as well as updates to the sterilization and anesthesia rules. Read More

Health organizations press Congress to boost Indian Health Service funding

The AI/AN Health Partners sent letters to House and Senate appropriators urging increased funding for IHS in fiscal year 2027. Read More

ADA releases updated sedation and anesthesia guidelines

The guidelines reflect current, evidence-informed standards to support consistency, preparedness and patient safety across the profession. Read More

ADA seeks feedback on recommendations for using salivary tests in oral cancer detection

The ADA Living Guideline Program is accepting comments through May 1. Read More

Oklahoma strengthens noncovered services protections in new law

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed into law a bill clarifying that dental insurance companies may not set fees for services they do not cover. Read More

New research reaffirms recommended fluoride levels do not negatively affect IQ

A recent study found no evidence that water fluoridation is negatively associated with adolescent IQ or adult cognitive functioning. Read More

Virginia governor signs ADA-supported workforce bills into law

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has signed into law two dental workforce-related measures backed by both the VDA and the ADA. Read More

Applications open for 2026-27 ADA Certified Clinic Director Program

Launched by the ADA in 2025, the ADA Certified Clinic Director is an executive-level credential for dental clinic directors. Read More

ADA, American Board of Dental Examiners advance dental licensure exams through new agreement

The two organizations finalized an agreement to license the ADA’s DLOSCE for incorporation into the ADEX Dental Examination. Read More

67 changes coming to CDT 2027

Sixty-seven changes are coming to the CDT Code in 2027, including 28 additions, 33 revisions and six editorial updates. Read More

Sanders, Welch announce new dental clinic and training partnership

Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Peter Welch, D-Vt., announced the construction of a new dental clinic in Vermont. Read More

Fighting sugar, protecting patients: ADA advocacy in action 

How the ADA's multi-year engagement and task force shaped national nutrition guidance. Read More

ADA urges Congress to increase oral health funding, restore leadership

The ADA and three partner organizations are urging Congress to strengthen federal support for oral health programs. Read More

Maryland orders Cigna to stop automatic downcoding, issues $80,000 fine 

Maryland’s Insurance Administration has fined health insurance company Cigna $80,000. Read More

ADA guideline prioritizes clinical exam over vital staining in early oral cancer detection

The recommendations reiterate the importance of exams while advising against the use of vital staining to evaluate the need for biopsy. Read More

April JADA evaluates water fluoridation benefits, impact of discontinuation

Dentists should advise policymakers and their patients not to abandon community water fluoridation, according to the JADA cover story. Read More

ADA Member Advantage-endorsed CyraCom joins Propio Language Services

CyraCom has been endorsed for nine years by ADA Member Advantage to provide interpretation and translation services for dental offices. Read More

ADA raises concerns about CMS CRUSH initiative proposals affecting dentistry

Dear ADA: Noncovered services

If a plan denies a procedure as a noncovered service, why am I still required to accept the contracted PPO fee instead of my full fee? Read More

Lobby Day 2026 delivers strong impact

Approximately 500 dentists and dental students gathered in Washington, D.C., for Lobby Day 2026. Read More

Q&A: What are your ethical obligations if another dentist dies before completing treatment?

A recent news report described financial challenges faced by patients who had prepaid for treatment before their dentist unexpectedly died. Read More

ADA adds mental health, GLP-1 questions to health history forms

The updated forms became available for purchase through the ADA Store on March 24. Read More

New ADA executive director emphasizes clarity, trust, and growth

Organized Dentistry Coalition urges CMS to not prohibit adult dental coverage

ODC urged CMS to not prohibit adult dental coverage as an essential health benefit in the proposed Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters. Read More

Coalition urges Congress to boost CDC tobacco prevention funding

The ADA joined a coalition urging Congress to provide $310 million for tobacco prevention and cessation programs at the CDC. Read More

New ADA course offers strategies for supporting dentists’ mental health

In honor of Health Workforce Well-Being Day on March 18, the new course offers practical strategies and tools for dentists and their teams. Read More