Bill > SF1324

This bill establishes a grant and forgivable loan program administered by the Minnesota Commissioner of Health to support dental assisting and dental hygiene education programs. The program aims to expand student enrollment capacity by providing funding for various projects, including infrastructure improvements for clinics and classrooms, student scholarships, faculty and staff salary enhancements, equipment acquisition, and other identified needs. Programs must be accredited (or in the process of becoming accredited) by the Commission on Dental Accreditation to be eligible. The commissioner will award grants based on applications, with priority given to programs showing the highest potential to increase student capacity, and will not show preference between dental hygiene and dental assisting programs. Institutions with both types of programs may submit a joint application. The bill appropriates $20 million from the general fund for this program in fiscal year 2026, with funds available until June 30, 2028, as a one-time appropriation to support the expansion of dental education programs and help address potential workforce shortages in dental professions.

Health and Social Services

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1324&ssn=0&y=2025