Dentistry: outreach and support program.

Assembly Member Berman's dental workforce initiative directs the Dental Board of California to establish an outreach and support program connecting students from underserved communities with pathways to dental careers. The program mandates coordination between the Board and educational institutions - from high schools through dental schools - to identify interested students and provide comprehensive guidance on pursuing dental licensure.

Under the program's requirements, the Board must conduct at least two annual outreach activities and maintain a bilingual public website offering detailed information about dental education prerequisites, admission processes, and financial aid opportunities, including the California Dental Corps Loan Repayment Program. The legislation authorizes the Board to partner with relevant agencies, health organizations, and academic institutions in delivering application assistance, interview preparation, and other support services.

The bill responds to data from the California Future Health Workforce Commission projecting dental care access challenges by 2030 due to workforce distribution issues. Federal designations currently identify over 570 Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas across California. The legislation's findings note that Latino and Black dentists comprise less than 10 percent of providers despite these groups representing approximately 45 percent of the state's population. The Board must report on program implementation through established legislative sunset review processes.