Licensed Dentists from Mexico Pilot Program.

Assembly Member Ávila Farías, joined by Assembly Members Bains and Jackson, proposes replacing California's Licensed Dentists from Mexico Pilot Program with updated provisions for licensing Mexican dental professionals to practice in federally qualified health centers. The revised program authorizes the Dental Board of California to issue three-year nonrenewable licenses to 30 participating dentists who meet specified educational, certification, and language proficiency requirements.

Under the new framework, participants must graduate from Mexican dental programs accredited by designated authorities, obtain certification through the Asociación Dental Mexicana, and demonstrate English language competency. The program restricts employment to federally qualified health centers located in dental professional shortage areas that maintain specific accreditation and quality assurance protocols. These centers must conduct peer reviews, collaborate with California dental schools for secondary evaluations, and provide participants with standard employment benefits including malpractice insurance.

The legislation mandates program evaluation beginning one year after implementation, examining factors such as quality of care, participant adaptation to California standards, and impacts on patient access. Representatives from California and Mexico's National Autonomous University serve as points of contact for document verification, candidate recruitment, and program compliance. All program costs, including administration and evaluation, require funding from philanthropic foundations rather than state appropriations.