This bill establishes a grant program under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 116J, aimed at expanding capacity in dental assisting and dental hygiene education programs. The commissioner of employment and economic development is tasked with making grants available to accredited higher education programs for various eligible projects, including improving clinic infrastructure, creating scholarships, enhancing faculty salaries, and acquiring necessary equipment. The bill emphasizes that priority will be given to programs that can significantly increase student enrollment and contribute to the dental workforce pipeline, while ensuring no preference is shown between dental hygiene and dental assisting programs.

Additionally, the bill appropriates $15 million from the workforce development fund for fiscal year 2026 to support these expanded-capacity grants. This funding is a one-time appropriation and will remain available until June 30, 2027. The legislation aims to bolster the educational infrastructure for dental professions in Minnesota, ultimately addressing workforce needs in the dental field.