Dentist Loan Repayment For Service Program

Provides financial assistance for student loan repayment to new dentists who agree to serve a selected percentage of Medicaid-insured patients in their practice in South Dakota.

Geographic Scope: South Dakota only

Mission: Increases access to dental care for all South Dakotans by supporting a robust dental workforce and securing opportunities for care for low-income patients.

Program History: Since the program began in 2004, 74 dentists have participated.

Award Amounts

• Option 1: $15,000 per year, up to $75,000 total over five years
• Option 2: $25,000 per year, up to $125,000 total over five years
• Bonus: Additional $5,000 per year for dentists providing 1,000+ Medicaid patient visits annually

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be fully trained and licensed in South Dakota (or in process of becoming licensed in SD)
• Have loan balances that are part of original student loans (not combined with other personal loans)
• Be willing to fulfill required service agreement
• Plan to work minimum 32 hours per week
• Participate in SD Medicaid program
• Agree to be credentialed by Delta Dental of South Dakota
• Be U.S. citizen and South Dakota resident

Note: Dentists who are employees must have approval from their employer. Dentists with existing service obligations from scholarships or loan forgiveness programs are not eligible until those obligations are satisfied.

Program Options

Option 1 - 15% Medicaid Patient Service:

• Loan repayment: $15,000/year up to $75,000 total over 5 years
• Must agree to see 15% Medicaid patients in practice
• Must accept 1 patient/case per award year from Donated Dental Services Program or approved alternative

Option 2 - 30% Medicaid Patient Service:

• Loan repayment: $25,000/year up to $125,000 total over 5 years
• Must agree to see 30% Medicaid patients in practice
• Must accept 2 patients/cases per award year from Donated Dental Services Program or approved alternative

Bonus Option:

• Provide 1,000+ Medicaid patient visits per year to receive additional $5,000/year
• Exempts recipients from Donated Dental Services program requirement

Qualified Loans

Qualified loans include:

• Government loans
• Commercial loans
• Foundation loans
• Loans for actual costs paid for tuition, reasonable education expenses, and reasonable living expenses related to graduate or undergraduate education from accredited school of dentistry

Does NOT include: Home equity, business, or personal loans from individuals

Program Timeline

• November 1: Application due
• December 15: Applicants notified of award status
• January 1: Program start date (first loan payment disbursed during first quarter)

Award Recipients Obligations

• Sign legally binding contract upholding program obligations
• Delta Dental makes annual payment toward designated loan
• Sign Forgivable Note stating loan will be forgiven if service obligation is met
• Report quarterly on obligation fulfillment
• Option to continue participation annually with commitment not exceeding five years (assuming service obligations met)

Non-Compliance

If participant fails to fulfill service commitment:

• Recipient should contact Delta Dental to discuss amendment/options
• If service obligations not fulfilled, recipient must repay Delta Dental within six months of end of contract year

Contact Information

Connie Halverson

• Vice President of Public Benefit
• Phone: 800-627-3961 or 605-224-7345
• Email: Connie.Halverson@deltadentalsd.com

How to Apply

Application Timeline:

• Applications due: November 1
• Award decisions: December 15
• First payments: Q1 of following year

Required Materials:

1. Complete online application form
2. Current resume
3. Responses to essay questions ("expressions of interest")
4. Proof of licensure (or plans for licensure in SD)
5. Documentation of outstanding qualified education loan debt
6. At least 1 letter of recommendation (other than employer or practice owner)
7. If applicable: Written statement of support from employer or practice authorizing applicant to meet service requirements

Application Process Notes:

• Form must be completed in one sitting - if you exit before submitting, information will not be saved
• Prepare all materials and answers in advance
• Essay question responses weigh heavily in Board's approval decision
• Priority given to applicants indicating practice location in critical need areas identified by Delta Dental
• All required responses marked with asterisk (*)

Submission Method: Online form (Formstack-powered)

Questions? Contact Connie Halverson at connie.halverson@deltadentalsd.com or 605-224-7345