Senate Bill No. 1325 proposed in Minnesota seeks to enhance economic development by providing financial support to dental assisting and dental hygiene education programs. This bill establishes a grant program, managed by the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development, to fund accredited dental assisting and hygiene programs or those awaiting accreditation. The funds can be used for various projects aimed at increasing student enrollment capacity. Projects eligible for grants include expanding or improving current facilities, creating new infrastructure, enhancing classroom environments, offering student scholarships, boosting faculty and staff salaries, and purchasing necessary equipment.

Grant applications will be evaluated based on their potential to expand student capacity and the overall dental workforce. Priority will be given to programs that show the greatest potential for increasing capacity. Institutions that offer both dental assisting and hygiene programs can apply through a single joint application.

To support this initiative, $15 million will be appropriated from the Workforce Development Fund in 2026. This funding is a one-time appropriation and must be utilized by June 30, 2027.