Dentist Loan Repayment For Service Program

Geographic Scope: South Dakota

Focus Areas: Loan repayment assistance for new dentists serving underserved populations and rural communities

Background: Since the program began in 2004, 74 dentists have participated in this loan repayment program. The program aims to increase access to dental care for all South Dakotans by supporting a robust dental workforce and securing opportunities for care for low-income patients.

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 the original student loan (not combined with other personal loans)
• Be willing to fulfill the required service agreement
• Plan to work a minimum of 32 hours per week
• Participate in the SD Medicaid program
• Agree to be credentialed by Delta Dental of South Dakota
• Be a U.S. citizen and South Dakota resident
• Have employer approval if considered an employee
• Not have an existing service obligation in return for scholarship, loan forgiveness, or tuition reimbursement (however, may apply once such obligations are satisfied)

Program Options

Option 1:

• Loan repayment: $15,000 per year, up to $75,000 over five years
• Service requirement: 15% Medicaid patients in practice
• Additional requirement: Accept one patient/case per award year from Donated Dental Services Program or approved alternative

Option 2:

• Loan repayment: $25,000 per year, up to $125,000 over five years
• Service requirement: 30% Medicaid patients in practice
• Additional requirement: Accept two patients/cases per award year from Donated Dental Services Program or approved alternative

Bonus: Dentists providing 1,000+ Medicaid patient visits per year receive additional $5,000 annually and are exempt from Donated Dental Services requirement

Qualified Loans

Include government, commercial and foundation loans for:

• Tuition
• Reasonable education expenses
• Reasonable living expenses related to graduate or undergraduate education from an accredited school of dentistry

Do not include: Home equity, business or personal loans from individuals

Award Details

• Recipients sign a legally binding contract
• Delta Dental Foundation makes annual payment toward recipient's designated loan
• Recipients sign a Forgivable Note stating loan will be forgiven if service obligation is met
• Quarterly reporting required
• Recipients may continue annually with commitment not exceeding five years
• If service commitment not fulfilled, recipient must repay Delta Dental Foundation within six months of contract year end

Contact

Connie Halverson, Vice President of Public Benefit

• Phone: 800-627-3961 or 605-224-7345
• Email: Connie.Halverson@deltadentalsd.com

Application Process

Timeline:

1. November 1: Application due
2. December 15: Applicant notified of award status
3. January 1: Program start date (first loan payment disbursed during first quarter)

Required Materials:

• Current resume
• Responses to essay questions (4 required 'expressions of interest')
• Proof of licensure (or plans for licensure)
• Documentation of outstanding qualified education loan debt
• At least 1 letter of recommendation (other than employer or practice owner)
• If applicable, a written statement of support from employer or practice authorizing applicant to meet service requirements

Application Instructions:

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