HB6246 Summary

• Removes the limitation restricting adult Medicaid dental services to emergency-only care, making all dental services available to adults over 21 who are Medicaid-eligible.

• Creates the Oral Health Professional Student Loan Fund to provide loans to dentists and dental hygienists.

• Establishes grant programs for oral health education of non-dental medical professionals (physicians, nurses, pharmacists) and programs providing comprehensive dental services in schools, underserved areas, and through mobile/portable dental units.

• Requires dental training residency programs receiving state funds to provide dental services in hospital emergency rooms or community settings in addition to standard training requirements.

• Creates a case management grant program (up to 10 entities) to help identify low-income individuals needing dental services and coordinate voluntary provision of free dental care by licensed providers.