An Act to improve oral health for all Massachusetts residents
H 4869 creates a new dental therapist profession in Massachusetts, allowing trained professionals to provide preventive dental care under written agreements with dentists. It requires public schools to notify parents about oral health screenings and expands access to preventive services for underserved communities, including pediatric and geriatric patients. The bill establishes licensing standards for dental therapists, mandates training for special needs patients, and requires annual community water fluoridation programs. These changes directly affect public schools, dental therapists, and residents in areas with limited dental access.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 5, 2026
Last action Jul 27, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
5
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Jul 27, 2026
Committee
Committee recommended bill ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
Jan 5, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
lower
Jan 5, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported from the committee on Public Health
lower
0 primary · 13 co-sponsors
Sponsors
No sponsor information available.
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