KY SB217

Dentists admitted to the Healthcare Worker Loan Relief Program may receive up to $150,000 in student loan repayment over five consecutive years of service, with an additional $100,000 available for those practicing in Kentucky counties without an actively practicing dentist.

Dentists owning practices in federally designated health professional shortage areas may receive rural dental practice grants of up to $150,000 for equipment, office construction/renovation, electronic health records, or staffing costs.

Appropriates $4.4 million annually for dentist loan repayment and practice grants, $600,000 annually for a new Rural Dental Fellows Network pilot program, and $1 million annually for increased Medicaid reimbursement rates during the 2026-2028 biennium.

Medicaid reimbursement rates for dental services in federally designated health professional shortage areas increase by 25%, with a state-funded technical assistance unit providing credentialing and billing support for rural providers.

Kentucky Board of Dentistry must establish a Rural Dental Fellows Network pilot offering continuing education stipends, mentorship programs, telehealth access, and annual regional convenings, with all provisions expiring July 1, 2036 unless extended.