43-28.1-01. Loan repayment program - Dentists - Defined need - Maximum amount of funds

43-28.1-01. Loan repayment program - Dentists - Defined need - Maximum amount of funds. Annually, the department of health and human services shall select, from a pool of applicants, dentists who will provide dental services in cities or surrounding areas, or both, in this state which the department of health and human services identifies as having a defined need for dental services. The dentists selected from this pool of applicants shall agree to accept medical assistance patients and assignments or provide dental services in a public health clinic, a practice with a focus on an underserved population, or a nonprofit dental clinic. A selected dentist who agrees to the terms of this program is eligible to receive funds for the repayment of the dentist's education loans. The funds, which are payable over a five-year period, may not exceed one hundred thousand dollars per applicant. If the department of health and human services accepts any gifts, grants, or donations under this chapter, the department of health and human services may select additional dentists for participation in the loan repayment program under this chapter.