### Question
Can you define what designated dental health professional shortage area means?


### Answer
**Designated dental health professional shortage area** is defined as the following in *42 U.S.C. § 256f*:

> an area, population group, or facility that is designated by the Secretary as a dental health professional shortage area under section 254e of this title or designated by the applicable State as having a dental health professional shortage

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 256f*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 6A-PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE > SUBCHAPTER II-GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES > Part D-Primary Health Care > subpart x-primary dental programs**

