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| Date: | April 3, 2012 | | Contact Name: | Peter Winiecki | | Contact Phone: | 651-297-8077 | | Contact Email: | peter.winiecki@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| MINNESOTA SENATE APPROVES TEMPORARY DENTAL LICENSURE BILL |
St. Paul The Minnesota Senate approved Senate File 1553, a bill that authorizes the issuance of temporary dental licenses to qualified dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants in order to provide care to underserved areas of the state. Senator John Carlson (R-Bemidji) is the chief author of the bill which received unanimous, bipartisan support.
This bill carries strong regional significance throughout areas of greater Minnesota, said Sen. Carlson. I am confident that the individuals who are granted these temporary licenses will bring their skills to underserved populations in our state who are in need of professional dental care.
Specifically, the bill authorizes the Minnesota Board of Dentistry to grant temporary guest licenses to dental care professionals who are currently licensed in any other state for providing volunteer dental care services in Minnesota for ten days in a calendar year. These guest licenses would then expire on December 31 of each year.
The measure is supported by the Minnesota Mission of Mercy who facilitates the dental outreach program. They have an event scheduled to take place in August at the Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato with the goal of serving 2,000 patients and providing over $1million in care.
Sen. Carlson added: Im proud of the support and positive energy that the bill has received through the committee process. There is a companion bill moving through the Minnesota House and I am confident that Governor Dayton will sign it into law and allow underserved residents to receive the dental care that they need.
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