Maine bill would license midlevel providers

Maine House Speaker Mark Eves has sponsored a bill, LD 1230, designed to address the state's dentist shortage with midlevel providers (MLPs), according to an article in the Boston Globe. MLPs would receive a specific license for preventive and limited oral care treatment if the bill passes.

There are 15 counties in the state facing a lack of dentists, forcing residents to seek care in emergency rooms at a significantly higher cost. Eves cited one statistic stating that 55% of Maine's children lack a dental care provider, the article noted. The bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Anne-Marie Mastraccio, a retired dental hygienist.

A public hearing on the bill is expected to take place within weeks.