Maryland Collaborative to Improve Children's Oral Health Through School-Based Programs - Establishment

SB 988 allows dental hygienists to provide services in schools or school-based health centers under a dentist's general supervision (without the dentist needing to be physically present) by updating licensing rules. It also creates the Maryland Collaborative to Improve Children’s Oral Health Through School-Based Programs, composed of health, education, and dental representatives, to study and recommend ways to expand school dental services. The bill directly affects school-based health centers, dental hygienists working in schools, and children in Maryland, particularly those in underserved communities facing oral health disparities. Key mechanisms include revised licensing requirements for school settings and a formal collaborative tasked with analyzing current programs and proposing improvements.