AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Anne-Marie Mastraccio, D-Sanford, which increases access to oral health care by expanding the Maine Dental Education Loan Program, is now law after being signed by Gov. Janet Mills on Monday.
"Amidst a severe workforce shortage, this bill will incentivize more qualified dental care practitioners to come and work in Maine," said Mastraccio. "The Maine Dental Education Loan Program is underutilized and not doing enough to meet Maine's oral care needs. By expanding eligibility to a broader range of dental care practitioners, we are taking a meaningful step towards addressing the critical oral health care shortage facing our state."
Prior to the passage of LD 1256, the Maine Dental Education Loan Program was only available to dentists practicing in underserved communities. This new law enables dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental assistants and expanded function dental assistants to qualify for the program.
The new law will go into effect 90 days after the current session of the Legislature adjourns.
Mastraccio is serving her fifth non-consecutive term in the Maine House of Representatives and is a member of the Legislature's Government Oversight Committee and the Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee. She represents House District 142, which includes a portion of Sanford and Springvale.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Mastraccio], c. 305-965-2744