AB-1307
Health & Public Health

Licensed Dentists from Mexico Pilot Program.

Engrossed
CA
2025-2026 Regular Session
0
0
Track

Key Takeaways

  • Establishes a pilot program allowing up to 30 licensed Mexican dentists to practice in California's underserved areas.
  • Requires Mexican dentists to complete specific training and meet strict licensing requirements before practicing.
  • Limits participants to working only in qualified health centers located in dental shortage areas.
  • Mandates program evaluation after one year to assess quality of care and impact on dental access.

Summary

Assembly Member Ávila Farías proposes revamping California's Licensed Dentists from Mexico Pilot Program to address persistent dental care shortages in underserved communities. The legislation replaces existing provisions with a comprehensive framework allowing up to 30 licensed Mexican dentists to practice at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in dental health professional shortage areas.

Under the program, administered by Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas, applicants must hold a current Mexican dental license, demonstrate clinical competency, and meet English proficiency requirements. Participants receive three-year nonrenewable licenses restricting their practice to qualifying FQHCs. Before practicing, licensees must complete board-approved courses in infection control, dental practice regulations, and opioid prescribing protocols.

The bill establishes detailed oversight mechanisms, requiring FQHCs to conduct peer reviews of patient encounters and submit documentation to board-approved dental schools. Participating health centers must cover application fees, background checks, and maintain quality assurance protocols. Beginning one year after implementation, an evaluation funded by philanthropic organizations will assess the program's impact on care quality, cultural competency, and access to dental services.

The legislation responds to demographic data showing Latino dentists comprise only 4% of California practitioners while the state's Latino population approaches 40%. According to state records, over 2.7 million Californians reside in dental health professional shortage areas, with studies indicating these regions have higher concentrations of minority populations, lower median incomes, and more children.

Key Dates

Next Step
Referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development
Next Step
Senate Committee
Referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development
Hearing has not been scheduled yet
Vote on Assembly Floor
Assembly Floor
Vote on Assembly Floor
AB 1307 Ávila Farías Assembly Third Reading
Assembly Appropriations Hearing
Assembly Committee
Assembly Appropriations Hearing
Do pass
Assembly Business And Professions Hearing
Assembly Committee
Assembly Business And Professions Hearing
Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations]
Introduced
Assembly Floor
Introduced
Introduced. To print.

Contacts

Profile
Roger NielloR
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Steven ChoiR
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Tim GraysonD
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Bob ArchuletaD
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Tom UmbergD
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
0 of 14 row(s) selected.
Page 1 of 3
Select All Legislators
Profile
Roger NielloR
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Steven ChoiR
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Tim GraysonD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Bob ArchuletaD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Tom UmbergD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Akilah Weber PiersonD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Jasmeet BainsD
Assemblymember
Bill Author
Profile
Corey JacksonD
Assemblymember
Bill Author
Profile
Angelique AshbyD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Caroline MenjivarD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Lola Smallwood-CuevasD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Anamarie FariasD
Assemblymember
Bill Author
Profile
Jesse ArreguinD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Suzette ValladaresR
Senator
Committee Member

Get Involved

Act Now!

Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.

Introduced By

Anamarie Farias
Anamarie FariasD
California State Assembly Member
Co-Authors
Corey Jackson
Corey JacksonD
California State Assembly Member
Jasmeet Bains
Jasmeet BainsD
California State Assembly Member
40% progression
Bill has passed all readings in its first house and is ready to move to the other house (6/2/2025)

Latest Voting History

June 2, 2025
PASS
Assembly Floor
Vote on Assembly Floor
AyesNoesNVRTotalResult
724379PASS

Key Takeaways

  • Establishes a pilot program allowing up to 30 licensed Mexican dentists to practice in California's underserved areas.
  • Requires Mexican dentists to complete specific training and meet strict licensing requirements before practicing.
  • Limits participants to working only in qualified health centers located in dental shortage areas.
  • Mandates program evaluation after one year to assess quality of care and impact on dental access.

Get Involved

Act Now!

Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.

Introduced By

Anamarie Farias
Anamarie FariasD
California State Assembly Member
Co-Authors
Corey Jackson
Corey JacksonD
California State Assembly Member
Jasmeet Bains
Jasmeet BainsD
California State Assembly Member

Summary

Assembly Member Ávila Farías proposes revamping California's Licensed Dentists from Mexico Pilot Program to address persistent dental care shortages in underserved communities. The legislation replaces existing provisions with a comprehensive framework allowing up to 30 licensed Mexican dentists to practice at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in dental health professional shortage areas.

Under the program, administered by Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas, applicants must hold a current Mexican dental license, demonstrate clinical competency, and meet English proficiency requirements. Participants receive three-year nonrenewable licenses restricting their practice to qualifying FQHCs. Before practicing, licensees must complete board-approved courses in infection control, dental practice regulations, and opioid prescribing protocols.

The bill establishes detailed oversight mechanisms, requiring FQHCs to conduct peer reviews of patient encounters and submit documentation to board-approved dental schools. Participating health centers must cover application fees, background checks, and maintain quality assurance protocols. Beginning one year after implementation, an evaluation funded by philanthropic organizations will assess the program's impact on care quality, cultural competency, and access to dental services.

The legislation responds to demographic data showing Latino dentists comprise only 4% of California practitioners while the state's Latino population approaches 40%. According to state records, over 2.7 million Californians reside in dental health professional shortage areas, with studies indicating these regions have higher concentrations of minority populations, lower median incomes, and more children.

40% progression
Bill has passed all readings in its first house and is ready to move to the other house (6/2/2025)

Key Dates

Next Step
Referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development
Next Step
Senate Committee
Referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development
Hearing has not been scheduled yet
Vote on Assembly Floor
Assembly Floor
Vote on Assembly Floor
AB 1307 Ávila Farías Assembly Third Reading
Assembly Appropriations Hearing
Assembly Committee
Assembly Appropriations Hearing
Do pass
Assembly Business And Professions Hearing
Assembly Committee
Assembly Business And Professions Hearing
Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations]
Introduced
Assembly Floor
Introduced
Introduced. To print.

Latest Voting History

June 2, 2025
PASS
Assembly Floor
Vote on Assembly Floor
AyesNoesNVRTotalResult
724379PASS

Contacts

Profile
Roger NielloR
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Steven ChoiR
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Tim GraysonD
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Bob ArchuletaD
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Tom UmbergD
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
0 of 14 row(s) selected.
Page 1 of 3
Select All Legislators
Profile
Roger NielloR
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Steven ChoiR
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Tim GraysonD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Bob ArchuletaD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Tom UmbergD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Akilah Weber PiersonD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Jasmeet BainsD
Assemblymember
Bill Author
Profile
Corey JacksonD
Assemblymember
Bill Author
Profile
Angelique AshbyD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Caroline MenjivarD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Lola Smallwood-CuevasD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Anamarie FariasD
Assemblymember
Bill Author
Profile
Jesse ArreguinD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Suzette ValladaresR
Senator
Committee Member