1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to health; establishing dental school student scholarship program; 
1.3 	requiring a study on community dental health coordinator and public dental 
1.4 	coverage program;amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 144.1501, by 
1.5 	adding a subdivision; repealing Laws 2003, First Special Session chapter 5, 
1.6 	section 11.
1.7 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.8 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 144.1501, is amended by adding a 
1.9 	subdivision to read:
1.10 		Subd. 7.Dental school student scholarship program. The commissioner may 
1.11 	award up to three scholarships each year to:
1.12 	(1) internationally trained dental students who enroll in the Program for Advanced 
1.13 	Standing Students at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and who agree 
1.14 	upon graduation from the program and licensure in Minnesota to provide dental services 
1.15 	through a nonprofit organization, community clinic, or federally qualified community 
1.16 	health center for a period of at least three years; or
1.17 	(2) current dental school students who agree after graduation to provide dental 
1.18 	services in Minnesota through a nonprofit organization, community clinic, or federally 
1.19 	qualified community health center for a period of at least three years.
1.20 	Scholarships awarded under the program must be at least $30,000 each year that the 
1.21 	graduates provide care under the scholarship agreement.

1.22 	Sec. 2. COMMUNITY DENTAL HEALTH COORDINATOR.
 1.23 	The commissioner of health shall study the feasibility of the creation and use of 
1.24 	community dental health coordinators to help provide dental care access and education 
2.1 	to specific populations in need of dental care under state programs. The commissioner 
2.2 	shall consider the education and training requirements of this new position as developed 
2.3 	by the American Dental Association and the success of this position in other states 
2.4 	piloting the use of community dental health coordinators. The commissioner shall report 
2.5 	to the legislature by January 2009 on whether the state should consider certification or 
2.6 	registration of community dental health coordinators in Minnesota.

2.7 	Sec. 3. PUBLIC DENTAL COVERAGE PROGRAM STUDY.
 2.8 	(a) The commissioner of human services shall undertake a study to determine 
2.9 	whether alternative approaches to offering dental coverage to public programs enrollees 
2.10 	would result in:
2.11 	(1) improved access to dental care;
2.12 	(2) cost savings to providers and the department; and
2.13 	(3) improved quality and outcomes of care. 
2.14 	Alternatives considered shall include moving to a single dental plan administrator, 
2.15 	retaining the current model, and other innovative approaches. Issues relating to chronic 
2.16 	disease management, medical and dental interface, plan payment approaches, and provider 
2.17 	payment should also be addressed. The report must make a recommendation on whether 
2.18 	to alter the current approach to contracting for dental services, and include a detailed 
2.19 	plan on how to implement any changes. The commissioner shall consult with dentists, 
2.20 	safety net dental providers, dental plans, health plans and county-based purchasing 
2.21 	organizations, patients and advocates, and other interested parties in developing their 
2.22 	findings and recommendations. 
2.23 	(b) By December 15, 2008, the commissioner of human services shall report findings 
2.24 	and recommendations to the chairs of the house of representatives and senate committees 
2.25 	having jurisdiction over health and human services policy and finance.

2.26 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

2.27 	Sec. 4.  REPEALER.
 2.28 	Laws 2003, First Special Session chapter 5, section 11, is repealed.