Committee advances pilot to allow credentialed Mexican dentists to serve in underserved California communities
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Summary
AB 1307 would establish a pilot permitting up to 30 credentialed dentists trained in Mexico to practice in underserved areas for up to three years, modeled after a physicians’ pilot; the committee passed the measure as amended and requested continued coordination with the Dental Board.
Assemblymember Avila Farias presented AB 1307 to create a pilot program allowing up to 30 qualified dentists from Mexico to practice in designated shortage areas in California for up to three years. The measure is patterned after a prior physicians’ pilot that the committee and Legislature previously authorized.
Proponents said the pilot targets federally qualified health centers and regions with documented dental professional shortages, particularly in rural and low‑income Latino communities. Arnold Torres, speaking for the sponsor La Clínica del Valle, said the physicians’ pilot demonstrated success in improving access and that dental applicants will undergo credential review and peer review by participating clinics and an additional UC dental‑school review.
The California Dental Association registered opposition unless amended, citing concerns about credential review details. The author said she will continue to work with the Dental Board to address standards and noted the program is intended to be cost‑neutral using philanthropic and nongovernmental funding for evaluation and startup costs. The committee passed the bill to Appropriations as amended.