HJR272 Summary

• Creates a joint interim commission to study the feasibility of establishing a second school of dentistry in Alabama and/or increasing dental services in rural areas.

• Commission composition includes: chairs of Senate and House education committees, up to 3 Senate and 3 House members, up to 3 Governor appointees, and one representative each from the Board of Dental Examiners, Alabama Dental Association, State Board of Health, University of Alabama System, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, and University of South Alabama.

• Commission must analyze current dentist distribution and shortages, whether a new dental school would benefit rural areas, and alternative methods for providing more dental services to underserved regions.

• Alabama currently ranks 51st in dental service availability; 2,240 dentists practiced in the state as of January 2020, with 25 percent over age 60 and most concentrated in major population centers.

• Commission shall report findings and proposed legislation to the Legislature by January 1, 2022, at which time the commission dissolves.