Licensed Dentists from Mexico Pilot Program.

Assembly Member Ávila Farías proposes replacing California's Licensed Dentists from Mexico Pilot Program with updated provisions allowing qualified Mexican dentists to obtain three-year nonrenewable licenses to practice in federally qualified health centers. The new program establishes specific eligibility criteria requiring graduates from accredited Mexican dental programs to demonstrate clinical competency through Asociación Dental Mexicana certification, maintain Mexican licensure, and pass English proficiency tests.

Participating dentists may only work in federally qualified health centers located in designated shortage areas that maintain medical quality assurance protocols and appropriate accreditation. These centers must conduct peer reviews, partner with California dental schools for secondary reviews, and provide standard employment benefits to program participants. The program requires participants to complete initial infection control training and ongoing medical education courses while maintaining compliance with state dental practice requirements.

The legislation mandates an evaluation one year after program implementation to assess quality of care, participant adaptation to California standards, impacts on health center operations, and changes in dental service access. Both program administration and evaluation costs will be funded entirely through philanthropic foundation support rather than state appropriations. Representatives from California and the National Autonomous University of Mexico will oversee document verification, candidate recruitment, health center selection, and program compliance monitoring.