NC H1693

North Carolina Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program shall coordinate efforts to increase the number of dental care providers serving the special needs population.

AHEC must work with UNC Chapel Hill dental school, East Carolina University dental school, North Carolina Community College System, and current special needs dental providers to identify workforce expansion opportunities, including options requiring no additional funding.

AHEC must explore with the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners the feasibility of allowing dental students, dental hygiene students, and assisting students to receive training in long-term care facilities under nonprofit special care dental organizations.

AHEC shall report findings and recommendations to the North Carolina Study Commission on Aging and the Public Health Study Commission on or before August 1, 2011.

Effective upon enactment (ratified July 6, 2010).