The short answer
Delaware has 2 loan repayment programs a dentist can apply to, and all are open as of September 26, 2026. Federal programs (NHSC, IHS and the military) also work here.
Apply now: Delaware State Loan Repayment Program and Delaware Health Care Provider Loan Repayment Program
- Delaware State Loan Repayment Program: Applications accepted continuously; deadlines Sept 1, 2026; Dec 1, 2026; Feb 1, 2027; May 1, 2027; July 1, 2027 (next: December 1, 2026 for March 1, 2027 contract start).
- Delaware Health Care Provider Loan Repayment Program: Continuous; deadlines March 15 (Oct-March applications, contract start May 31) and September 15 (Apr-Sept applications, contract start Nov 30). Next deadline: March 15, 2027.
Delaware programs for dentists
Each program below is described from its official page. Terms change every cycle, so confirm the numbers and deadline there before you apply.
Delaware State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)
Delaware Health Care Commission (DHSS)
- Dentists
- Eligible · hygienists eligible too
- What it pays
- Page summary: 'up to $100,000'. Advanced-level (dentists): up to $70,000 (Meets), $85,000 (Exceeds), $100,000 (Distinguished Qualifications); mid-level (hygienists): up to $30,000 / $45,000 / $60,000. Award amounts include 1:1 match. (A lower paragraph on the same page still says 'up to $150,000'.)
- Commitment
- Minimum two consecutive years full-time (40 hrs/wk) or half-time (20-39 hrs/wk).
- Where you can work
- HRSA-qualified public or non-profit facility located in a HPSA; accept Medicare, Medicaid, S-CHIP; sliding fee scale; see all patients regardless of ability to pay. Dentists must agree that at least 20% of patients are Medicaid, S-CHIP and/or low-income at reduced rates or free, and provide preventive dental services to DDDS clients.
- Applying
- Applications accepted continuously; deadlines Sept 1, 2026; Dec 1, 2026; Feb 1, 2027; May 1, 2027; July 1, 2027 (next: December 1, 2026 for March 1, 2027 contract start).
- Specialists
- Eligible advanced discipline listed as 'General and Pediatric Dentistry (DDS/DMD)'. Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) is a mid-level discipline.
Official sources: dhss.delaware.gov (undated (lists deadlines Sept 2026 - Jul), dhss.delaware.gov (undated), dhss.delaware.gov (May 2017). Checked Sep 26, 2026.
Delaware Health Care Provider Loan Repayment Program (HCPLRP)
Delaware Health Care Commission (DHSS)
- Dentists
- Eligible
- What it pays
- 'Loan forgiveness up to $50,000 per year for up to four years.' Scored tiers: $15,000 / $30,000 / $50,000 per year (30%/60%/100% of maximum).
- Commitment
- Initial contract term of two years; full-time 40 hrs/wk (min 45 weeks); part-time 20-39 hrs/wk prorated.
- Where you can work
- Ambulatory/outpatient setting in an underserved area of need (hospital primary care practice, private practice, FQHC, community outpatient or mental health facility, free clinic); accept Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP; participate in DHSS Voluntary Initiative Program (VIP). Hospital sites provide dollar-for-dollar match.
- Applying
- Continuous; deadlines March 15 (Oct-March applications, contract start May 31) and September 15 (Apr-Sept applications, contract start Nov 30). Next deadline: March 15, 2027.
- Specialists
- Eligible DDS/DMD specialties: 'General Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry, Public Health Dentistry'.
Official sources: dhss.delaware.gov (undated), dhss.delaware.gov (undated). Checked Sep 26, 2026.
DIDER (Delaware Institute for Dental Education and Research) is a Temple dental school admissions partnership, not a loan repayment program.
Federal programs that also work in Delaware
- NHSC Loan Repayment Program: up to $50,000 for two years full time at an approved site, tax-free. Funded only through Dec. 31, 2026 under current law.
- Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program: up to $50,000 for two years at IHS, tribal and urban Indian sites.
- Military scholarships and loan repayment.
How these fit with your other loan choices
- PSLF: if the site is a nonprofit or government employer, the same years can count toward PSLF. If you’re sure to reach PSLF, a repayment award mostly shrinks what PSLF would have forgiven.
- RAP: award payments lower your balance, not your RAP payment, which is based on income. Estimate your RAP payment.
- Refinancing: most programs repay federal and private qualifying education loans; check whether yours counts before you refinance.
What to do next
- Check whether your job, or the one you’re considering, is at an eligible site (most programs require a shortage area, and many require a nonprofit or public employer).
- Read the official page for each program above and note the next deadline.
- Compare the award with what staying on RAP or PSLF, or refinancing, would cost you: run your numbers.
Program details come from each program’s official page, checked September 26, 2026. We don’t earn anything from loan repayment programs. General education, not advice. Found an error? Tell us.