Bill > LD1891

This bill addresses the dental professional workforce shortage in Maine by establishing two key programs and updating a tax credit. The Dentists for Maine's Future Scholarship Program will provide tuition subsidies of up to $25,000 annually to dental students who commit to practicing in designated "extreme shortage areas," which include 13 specific counties with limited dental care access. The program prioritizes students with strong connections to Maine, such as graduating high school or college in the state. Simultaneously, the Extreme Shortage Area Dental Education Loan Program will offer loans and loan repayment agreements to dental students and professionals (including dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants) who agree to serve in these shortage areas. Loan recipients can have up to 25% of their loan forgiven for each year they practice in an extreme shortage area. The bill also updates the dental care access tax credit to include dental hygienists and extends the credit's availability until December 31, 2032, allowing up to 10 dentists and 10 dental hygienists to be certified for the tax credit each year starting in 2025. These initiatives aim to incentivize dental professionals to work in underserved regions of Maine and improve access to dental care in rural and medically underserved counties.

Education

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1891&snum=132