(A) The director of health shall designate, as dental health resource shortage areas, areas in this state that experience special dental health problems and dentist practice patterns that limit access to dental care. Except as provided in division (B) of this section, the designations shall be made by rule. The designations may apply to a geographic area, one or more facilities within a particular area, or a population group within a particular area. The director shall consider for designation as a dental health resource shortage area, any area in this state that has been designated by the United States secretary of health and human services as a health professional shortage area under Title III of the “Public Health Service Act,” 58 Stat. 682 (1944), 42 U.S.C. § 201, as amended.

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(B)(1) As used in this division:

(a) “Free clinic” has the same meaning as in section 3701.071 of the Revised Code.

(b) “Developmental disability” has the same meaning as in section 5123.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) The director shall designate both of the following as dental health resource shortage areas, regardless of whether the clinic or practice is located in a geographic area that is designated as a dental health resource shortage area:

(a) Free clinics;

(b) Clinics or dental practices that serve a high proportion of individuals with developmental disabilities.