The bill establishes a grant program under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 116J, specifically aimed at expanding capacity in dental assisting and dental hygiene education programs. The commissioner of employment and economic development is tasked with making these grants available to accredited higher education programs, as well as those that have applied for accreditation. Eligible projects for funding include improvements to clinic infrastructure, creation of new facilities, enhancement of classroom structures, provision of student scholarships, increases in faculty and staff salaries, acquisition of necessary equipment, and addressing other identified needs.

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 commissioner is directed to prioritize grant applications from programs that demonstrate the highest potential to increase student enrollment and contribute to the dental workforce pipeline, ensuring no preference is given between dental hygiene and dental assisting programs. Institutions with both types of programs may submit a joint application for funding.