Ohio Addresses Access-to-Care Problems With Loan Repayment Program

The State of Ohio wants to improve access to professional oral healthcare for its most vulnerable citizens by offering a loan repayment program for dentists and dental hygienists. Open to practicing clinicians with student loan debt in addition to dental and dental hygiene students, participants must commit to working in dental settings that serve patients covered by Medicaid, provide dental care to patients regardless of their ability to pay, and are located in a dental health professional shortage area or dental health resource shortage area for a minimum of 2 years. Clinicians accepted into the program may receive up to $25,000 annually for loan repayment. Those who continue working at an eligible site for 3 years to 4 years may receive up to $35,000 per year. Applications for the 2022 program are due April 30. Click here to read more.