DelawareSB 191153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)SenateWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE INSTITUTE FOR DENTAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH.

Sponsored By: Ray Seigfried (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Easier licenses and loan help in underserved areas

Dentists can qualify for a Delaware license without a hospital residency by agreeing to practice in state‑designated underserved areas. The Board and the State Board set the rules, which may include preceptorships and reciprocity. The underserved areas must be recognized by the Delaware Health Care Commission. The Board can also create loan repayment programs to attract dental workers to these areas. The Commission must approve any loan repayment program. The law does not set the award amounts or who exactly will qualify.

More dental training and education options

The Board develops plans to expand dental education chances for Delaware residents. It can keep partnerships like the one with Temple University and add similar partners as needed. The Board will expand general practice training in Delaware, such as satellite sites and hospital partnerships. It will support training so current dentists can better care for patients with disabilities, and may support cultural‑competence training. The law does not guarantee funding or set the number of spots.

Plans to grow Delaware dental workforce

The Board must support and promote Delaware’s dental workforce and education. It will set up recruitment programs to bring dental workers to the state. It can make plans and agreements with other institutions to improve access, especially for underserved people. The Delaware Health Care Commission must approve and sign any affiliation agreements. The Board must carry out these plans and report progress to the Commission.

New dental education board and rules

The law creates the Board of Directors for the Delaware Institute for Dental Education and Research to advise the Delaware Health Care Commission. The board has 12 members: 9 voting (including the Commission Chair) and 3 non‑voting (from Delaware State University, the University of Delaware, and the State Dental Director). The Governor appoints eight voting members in set categories, including a public member, an FQHC representative, three from the State Dental Society, one from the State Board, one dental hygienist, and one from Christiana Care’s residency. Appointed members serve three‑year terms with initial staggering and may serve up to nine years total; vacancy appointees finish the term. The board elects a Chair and Vice Chair for three‑year terms, up to three consecutive terms. A majority of voting members makes a quorum; empty seats do not count. The board may form committees. Members are not paid, but normal travel costs are reimbursed. Appointees must complete diversity training before taking office.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Ray Seigfried
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Frank Burns
Democratic • House
Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha
Democratic • House
Kendra Johnson
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 56 • No: 1

House vote • 3/12/2026

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 35 • No: 1

Senate vote • 1/14/2026