Relating to the appointment of a dental director for the program of oral health improvement services.

HB 1776 requires the Texas Health and Safety Code to mandate that the state's executive commissioner appoint a licensed dentist as the dental director for the oral health services program. This bill directly affects the state's oral health program by establishing a specific qualification (must be a dentist) for the director position. The key provision is the new requirement that the director must hold a dental license, ensuring program leadership has clinical expertise. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, but does not change program funding, services, or eligibility.