A Maine law that aims to increase access to dental care with tax credits for rural clinicians went into effect on August 1.
To receive the credits, dentists must have unpaid student loans, the St. John Valley Times reported. The bill, LD 440 (SP 172), was sponsored by Sen. Troy Jackson (D-Aroostook County). Previously, the bill had been vetoed by Gov. Paul Le Page on May 1 but was overridden by the Senate.
Per the law, the Department of Health and Human Services oral health program must certify as many as five dentists with unpaid student loans who work full time in an underserved area for at least five years, the article explained.
Jackson explained that the bill will help bring young dentists to rural counties, such as the one he represents, while helping them to pay off their debt.
