From company closures to new legislation, here are seven updates affecting the dental industry in Minnesota so far in 2024:
1. Lawmakers in Minnesota introduced legislation to create a $20 million grant appropriation designated for dental hygiene and dental assisting programs.
2. A dental practice in Woodbury, Minn., suddenly shut down, leaving patients stranded.
3. A dental assistant in Minnesota had her license suspended indefinitely after reporting to work while under the influence of alcohol.
4. The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry's special needs healthcare clinic received a $100,000 grant to improve patient care and accessibility.
5. A Minnesota dental office was investigated by the state for allegedly paying for fake five-star ratings online.
6. Dental practices in Minnesota are facing major scheduling backlogs, mainly due to the lack of available dental hygienists.
7. NorthStar Orthodontics in Park Rapids, Minn., permanently closed Jan. 15.