Lipps Announces Mobile Dental Facilities Legislation Signed into Law

COLUMBUS—State Rep. Scott Lipps (R-Franklin) announced his legislation supporting mobile dental facilities (MDF) has been signed into law. MDFs provide access to oral healthcare services to uninsured or underinsured families.

“Children from families of lower incomes, or whose parents do not have dental insurance, and individuals covered by Medicaid are less likely to have received dental care compared to other populations,” said Lipps, who attended the virtual bill signing with Governor DeWine. “Mobile facilities are able to fill in this gap of care by serving these communities.”

House Bill 203 allows the medical records of an MDF patient to transfer to a dental office in order for those patients to efficiently receive follow-up services. This will help prevent a repeat in dental services, such as an X-ray, which can often result in out-of-pocket expenses for the patient. The legislation requires the MDF to provide the patient with the following:

1. A list of dental services provided to the patients
2. Any recommendations regarding further dental services
3. A notice to the patient that the facility must provide access to the patient’s complete dental records

The bill will also establish a greater framework for a statewide MDF database by requiring MDF operators to register with the State Dental Board. Currently, there is no means to track MDF throughout the state or know which dentists are associated with MDFs.

“I’m grateful Governor DeWine signed this bill into law so Ohio families can have greater access to the oral healthcare they need,” added Lipps.

The legislation was signed into law on September 16, 2020. It will take effect after 90 days.