The bill establishes a new program for expanded-capacity grants and forgivable loans aimed at enhancing dental assisting and hygiene education programs in Minnesota. Under the new section [144.1914], the commissioner of health is tasked with providing financial support to accredited higher education programs in dental assisting and hygiene, as well as those that have applied for accreditation. The funding can be used for various projects, including improving clinic infrastructure, creating scholarships, enhancing faculty salaries, and acquiring necessary equipment. The commissioner will prioritize applications that demonstrate the highest potential for increasing student enrollment capacity and will not favor one type of program over the other. Additionally, the bill includes an appropriation of $20,000,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to support these grants and loans, with the funds available until June 30, 2028. This financial backing is intended to facilitate the growth and improvement of dental education programs, ultimately aiming to address workforce needs in the dental field.