05/10/2019
Legislation update;
HB843 passed unanimously - created 2 dental programs:
Establishes the Dental Student Loan Repayment Program, which would give up to $50,000/yr (5 years total) in repayment of student loans for dentists who provide services to Medicaid recipients via public health programs in underserved areas. Department of Health must limit the program to 10 new dentists every year.
Establishes the Donated Dental Services Program at the Dept of Health - a program that contracts with nonprofits to establish a network of volunteer dentists and providers who serve needy, elderly, disabled, medically compromised individuals who don't qualify for public assistance but need access to care. The program must be funded in future budget years.
SB684/HB649 - Dental Therapy - did not pass
The bill would have created a mid-level provider in between a dental hygienist and a dentist.
