Purpose

The bill aims to increase the number of dental assistants and dental hygienists produced in Minnesota by funding programs that expand student enrollment. It does this through grants and forgivable loans to higher education programs for dental assisting and dental hygiene that are accredited (or seeking accreditation) to expand capacity, improve facilities, and support students and faculty.

Key Provisions

• Creates a grants and forgivable loans program administered by the commissioner of health for eligible dental assisting and dental hygiene higher education programs.
• Eligible programs must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or be applying for CODA accreditation.
• Eligible uses of funds include:
  • Expanding or improving clinic infrastructure (existing and new)
  • Improving classroom facilities
  • Creating student scholarships
  • Increasing faculty and staff salaries
  • Purchasing needed equipment and educational resources
  • Addressing other needs identified by applicants
• The commissioner awards grants and forgivable loans based on information in the grant application and may request additional information.
• Priority is given to programs with the highest potential to increase student capacity.
• No preference between dental hygiene and dental assisting programs. Institutions offering both may submit one joint application.

Funding and Timing

• Onetime appropriation of $20,000,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2026 to the commissioner for the expanded capacity grants and forgivable loans.
• Funds are available until June 30, 2028.

Relationship to Existing Law

• Establishes a new statutory program under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 144, creating Section 144.1914 titled “Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene Education Program Expanded Capacity Grants and Forgivable Loans.”

Potential Impact

• Could increase enrollment capacity and workforce supply for dental assisting and dental hygiene through infrastructure improvements, scholarships, and competitive salaries.
• Encourages programs to pursue CODA accreditation to qualify for funding.

Relevant Terms - dental assisting - dental hygiene - Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) - grants - forgivable loans - expanded capacity - infrastructure - scholarships - faculty salaries - equipment - Minnesota Statutes Chapter 144 - general fund - appropriation - higher education programs - enrollment capacity - priority criteria - joint application