Bill > S05339

This bill establishes programs to support dentists who agree to practice in underserved areas of New York State. It allocates significant funding over three fiscal years for both dentist loan repayment and practice support. The loan repayment program, with up to $1.2 million annually, will help dentists pay off student loans if they commit to practicing in underserved areas for at least three years, with specific provisions for dentists trained in teaching hospitals and those working in general hospitals. The practice support program, with up to $3 million annually, aims to help dentists cover the costs of establishing or joining practices in underserved communities, with a preference for those trained in teaching hospitals and a requirement that at least 50% of the funds go to general hospitals. Funding is divided regionally, with one-third for New York City and two-thirds for the rest of the state, and the commissioner has discretion in distribution without a competitive bidding process. The bill also clarifies that dentists can apply for either loan repayment or practice support, but not both, and outlines award amounts and conditions for fulfilling the service commitment.