Fla. Admin. Code R. 33-402.101
(2) Definitions.
(3) All inmates are required to receive an orientation to dental services within seven days of arrival at their assigned institutions. The dental orientation shall include:
(5) Dental periodic oral examinations shall be done every two years until the inmate is 50 years of age, and annually thereafter.
(7) Dental services available to inmates are based upon four levels of dental care.
(a) Level I dental care is available to inmates during the reception process. It includes:
1. An intake dental examination performed by a dentist and the development of a provisional treatment plan.
2. Necessary extractions as determined by the intake dental examination.
3. Emergency dental treatment including treatment of soft tissue disease.
(b) Level II dental care is available to inmates with less than six months of Department of Corrections’ incarceration time. It includes:
1. All Level I care.
2. Tooth decay control with temporary fillings.
3. Limited cleaning of symptomatic area with emphasis on oral hygiene practices.
4. Complete and partial denture repairs provided the inmate has sufficient Department of Corrections’ incarceration time remaining on his or her sentence to complete the repair.
5. If an inmate has no upper or lower teeth and requests dentures, the inmate is to be placed on the appointment waiting list at his or her permanent facility. The inmate is not required to wait six months for Level III care.
6. In cases of medical referral, inmates are to be scheduled as soon as possible for evaluation for dental care.
(c) Level III dental care is available to inmates with six months or more of continuous Department of Corrections’ incarceration time. Level III includes:
1. All Levels I and II care.
2. Complete dental examination with X-rays, periodontal (gum) screening and recording, and development of a dental treatment plan.
3. Teeth cleaning, gum examination and oral hygiene instructions.
4. Complete dentures provided the inmate has at least four months of continuous Department of Corrections’ incarceration time remaining on his or her sentence.
5. After the inmate has received a complete cleaning he or she is eligible for:
a. Fillings/Restorative Treatment.
b. Partial dentures.
I. Acrylic partial dentures provided the inmate has at least four months of continuous Department of Corrections’ incarceration time remaining on his or her sentence. Acrylic partial dentures will not be made available for purely cosmetic reasons.
II. Cast partial dentures will be fabricated only when the oral condition precludes the fabrication of acrylic partial dentures.
III. Each inmate is responsible for the loss, destruction, or mutilation of removable prosthetics. Failure to take responsibility for the removable prosthetics is not justification for replacement at Department of Corrections’ expense. In cases where intentional damage or loss is suggested, the incident will be considered the same as willfully damaging state property and will be dealt with in accordance with existing department policies.
IV. When indicated, dentures(s) are eligible for replacement every five years. Dentures required more often will be charged to the inmate unless such a requirement is caused by a change in the inmate’s dental condition that renders the existing denture(s) nonfunctional.
c. Nonemergency endodontic (root canal) therapy is available to Level III inmates (more than six months of continuous Department of Corrections’ incarceration time) when clinically indicated. All teeth receiving endodontic therapy must have adequate support in the surrounding gum tissues and have a good chance of recovery and long-term retention. In addition, posterior teeth receiving endodontic therapy must be crucial to arch integrity (no missing teeth in the quadrant or necessary as a partial denture abutment.)
d. Basic nonsurgical periodontal therapy as necessary.
(d) Level IV dental care represents advanced dental services that may be available on a limited basis.
1. This level of dental care is available to inmates on an as-needed basis after completion of Level III services and successful demonstration of a plaque free index score of 90 percent or greater for two consecutive months. If an inmate cannot demonstrate that he or she is following an acceptable oral hygiene program, advanced dental therapy will not be considered.
2. Dental care and follow-up to highly specialized procedures such as orthodontics and implants placed before incarceration will be managed on an individual basis after consulting with the Director of Dental Services. The inmate will be responsible for the costs of continuation of care associated with both orthodontics and implants initiated before incarceration.
3. Fixed prosthetics (multiple units) are not to be done except in unusual circumstances and only when an adequate restoration cannot be placed. The inmate will be responsible for the lab charges associated with the replacement of single unit crowns installed prior to incarceration.
(8) Dental Care Requests, Complaints and Formal Grievances.
(9) Co-payments for Dental Services.
(10) Missed Appointments. Inmates who do not keep their dental appointments shall be rescheduled, with the following exceptions:
Rulemaking Authority 944.09 FS. Law Implemented 466.001, 466.003, 466.017, 466.023, 466.024, 944.09, 945.6034, 945.6037 FS. History–New 6-11-08, Amended 4-23-20, 5-25-21, 12-2-24.