Topical fluoride application.

Existing law requires that pupils of public and private elementary and secondary schools, except community colleges, be offered the opportunity to receive, within the school year, the topical application of fluoride or other decay-inhibiting agent to the teeth, as specified. Existing law requires the application to be under the direction of a dentist and allows for self-application. Under existing law, a dental assistant may only perform topical fluoride applications under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist, as defined. This bill would, when services are provided to elementary or postsecondary pupils, specifically include fluoride varnish in the topical applications that may be used and allow application by any person, including a dental assistant. The bill would also permit any person, including a dental assistant, to apply topical fluoride, including fluoride varnish, to the teeth of a person being served in a public health setting or program that is created or administered by a state or local governmental entity, as specified. It would require, with respect to services to which the bill applies, that they be provided in accordance with a prescription and protocol issued and established by a physician or dentist.