Senate Bill 2205 - Summary

• The state health council shall select up to three dentists annually to receive loan repayment funds for providing dental services in communities with defined needs, with payments spread over a five-year period not exceeding $100,000 per dentist.

• Selected dentists must have not practiced full-time in North Dakota for three years before application, must be licensed to practice in the state, and must commit to provide full-time dental services for a minimum of four years in identified communities.

• Dentists practicing within 15 miles of Bismarck, Fargo, or Grand Forks must receive at least $20,000 in medical assistance reimbursement annually or work at least two full workdays per week at a public health or nonprofit dental clinic to qualify for yearly disbursements.

• Loan repayment funds are available for outstanding education loans up to $100,000, and no funds may be provided until the dentist has practiced at least six months full-time in the designated community.

• The bill repeals previous provisions related to public health clinic dentist loans and new practice grants, though those sections continue to apply to dentists who received grants before the effective date.