Bipartisan bill to expand healthcare workforce introduced

Sen. Roger Marshall, MD, and Sen. Bernie Sanders collaborated to create the Bipartisan Primary Care and Health Workforce Act to address the shortage of healthcare workers.

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The legislation provides more than $26 billion in funding to help combat staffing shortages, according to a Sept. 14 news release from Dr. Marshall. 

The act includes solutions to the staffing shortage in the dental industry, including:

  • $3 billion in capital funding to community health centers to expand dental and mental healthcare.
  • An increase in funding for the National Health Service Corps from $310 million to $950 million per year to provide scholarships and loan forgiveness for healthcare professionals, including dentists, who work in underserved areas. 
  • $1.5 billion over the next five years to the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education program, which increases the number of primary care and dental residency spots. 
  • Investment in training and workforce programs for dentists and dental assistants. 

At the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable, taking place September 14-15 in Chicago, dental leaders and executives will gain insights into emerging technologies, practice growth strategies and the evolving landscape of dental care delivery, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and operational excellence. Apply for complimentary registration now.

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