Loan repayment programs for dentists, state by state

Written by Ryan Smith, DDS (draft)Expert review pendingUpdated Sep 26, 2026

States pay down dental school debt in exchange for years of work where dentists are scarce. Pick your state to see every program a dentist can apply to, what it pays, and when it opens. Checked against each program’s official page on September 26, 2026.

Where a dentist can apply right now

15 have a program open now, 34 have one that’s closed or between cycles, 3 have none for dentists. Tap a state.

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Alabama

We found no loan repayment program in Alabama that dentists can apply to. The federal programs below work in every state.

None found for practicing dentists. Alabama is not on HRSA's SLRP award list. The Alabama Board of Dental Scholarship Awards runs a dental scholarship-loan program for dental students (loans repaid with service in an area 'critically in need of additional dental service', Alabama Public Health, or a state institution; Ala. Admin. Code ch. 280-X-9, amended eff. Sept 14, 2020, Supp. 9/30/20) - a student program, not loan repayment for practicing dentists. The Board of Medical Scholarship Awards (bmsa.alabama.gov) is physician-only. URLs checked: https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/api/chapter/280-X-9, https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/api/chapter/280-X-13, https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/api/rule/280-X-10-.01, https://www.bmsa.alabama.gov/; searches of alabamapublichealth.gov found only NHSC info.

Alaska

Closed

Alaska State Loan Repayment Program (Alaska SLRP)

Alaska Department of Health, Office of Healthcare Access

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: 'may not exceed $50,000 for Full-time and $25,000 for Half-time during the initial two-year service obligation'; paid as quarterly incentive payments
Commitment: Two-year service obligation; full-time min 40 hrs/week, 45 weeks/yr; half-time 20-39 hrs/week
Where you can work: Public entity or private nonprofit entity located in and serving a federally designated HPSA; serve all regardless of ability to pay; usual/customary rates with discounts; employer must provide one-to-one non-federal match (invoiced quarterly)
Taxes: 'These awards are generally excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes.'
Specialists: Dentist approved specialties: 'General Dentistry', 'Pediatric Dentistry'; must practice in a Dental Health HPSA. Dental Health Aide Therapist also eligible.

Official sources: health.alaska.gov (undated), jotform.com (undated (state SLRP Resource Portal; pra), jotform.com (Version Date: August 21, 2026). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Status unclear

Health Care Workforce Enhancement Program (HWEP)

Alaska Department of Health

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
Commitment: Three-year service term; full-time min 36 hrs/week (>=3 days) or half-time min 20 hrs/week
Where you can work: Approved employer (tribal, governmental, non-profit, or for-profit) and approved site type (incl. Dental Clinics) that is rural per AS 18.29.190, or HPSA/MUA/MUP, or >=30% uninsured/Medicaid/federally funded patients, or affiliated with a training program; serve regardless of ability to pay; accept Medicaid and Medicare; sliding fee
Taxes: Page says the Direct Incentive Payment option is a 'Quarterly taxable stipend'; tax treatment of the loan-repayment option not stated.
Specialists: Tier 1 includes 'Dentists'; Tier 2 includes 'Dental Hygienists'.

Official source: health.alaska.gov (undated). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Arizona

Open now

Arizona State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP): Primary Care Provider LRP (PCPLRP) and Rural Private Primary Care Provider LRP (RPPCPLRP)

Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), Bureau of Women's and Children's Health

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: Full-time physicians and dentists: initial 2 years $65,000 (HPSA 18-26) / $58,500 (HPSA 14-17) / $52,000 (HPSA 0-13); 3rd year $35,000/$31,500/$28,000; 4th year $25,000/$22,500/$20,000; 5th year and continuing $15,000/$13,500/$12,000. Half-time physicians and dentists: half those amounts (initial 2 years $32,500/$29,250/$26,000). Capped at the applicant's student loan indebtedness, subject to funding.
Commitment: Minimum two years; full-time (at least 40 hrs/week) or half-time (at least 20 hrs/week) outpatient primary care; renewals are one-year contracts
Where you can work: PCPLRP: public or private nonprofit employer in a federally designated HPSA. RPPCPLRP: rural private (for-profit) primary care practice in a HPSA or Arizona Medically Underserved Area (AzMUA). Sliding-fee schedule; accept Medicare, AHCCCS and qualifying health plans.
Applying: Initial applications: site registration January-March; provider application mid-April to June 1 each year via the PCO Portal. An October 1st Renewal/Re-application cycle is open September 1, 2026 to October 1, 2026 (only for eligible renewing/prior participants or applicants denied earlier in the year for lack of funds/site limits).
Taxes: Page states loan repayment 'is considered tax-exempt' (no IRC section cited).
Specialists: Current web eligibility list says 'General Dentist'. The FY2020 Provider Application and Program Reference Guide (March 2019) defines primary care provider to include 'A dentist practicing General Dentistry, Geriatric Dentistry, or Pediatric Dentistry'. No other dental specialties mentioned.

Official sources: azdhs.gov (undated (announcement references Sept 1-), azdhs.gov (undated), azdhs.gov (undated), azdhs.gov (undated), azdhs.gov (undated), azdhs.gov (undated), azdhs.gov (FY2020 guide, March 2019). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Only dentist-eligible program found is the ADHS SLRP (two sub-programs). No separate Arizona state dental LRP found on ADHS pages checked.

Arkansas

We found no loan repayment program in Arkansas that dentists can apply to. The federal programs below work in every state.

None found. HRSA SLRP contacts list names UAMS (https://uams.edu/) as Arkansas's SLRP grantee ($905,988 first-year award), but no Arkansas SLRP program page was found on uams.edu or healthy.arkansas.gov. The Arkansas Department of Health 'Student Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs' page lists only federal programs (NHSC, Nurse Corps, STAR, Faculty LRP, VA, etc.) and no state-run or SLRP program; page undated. UAMS pages checked list only physician programs (Rural Practice Scholarship, Community Match) plus NHSC. URLs checked: https://healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/prevention-healthy-living/rural-health-primary-care/primary-care-office-pco/loans-scholarships-schools-jobs/ (via WebFetch), https://healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/community-family-child-health/rural-health-primary-care/loans-scholarships-schools-jobs/ (via WebFetch), https://students.uams.edu/financial-services/financial-aid/scholarships-repayment-programs/, https://regionalcampuses.uams.edu/students/scholarships-and-loan-repayment/.

California

Closed

California State Loan Repayment Program (CA-SLRP)

Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI)

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Initial obligation: $50,000 full-time / $25,000 half-time; Extension Year 1: $20,000/$10,000; Extension Year 2: $20,000/$10,000; Extension Year 3+: $10,000/$5,000
Commitment: 2-year full-time (40 hrs/week, 45 weeks/yr) or 2-year half-time (20 hrs/week) service obligation; must be a California resident
Where you can work: Located in a federally designated HPSA; public or private not-for-profit outpatient facility; pay prevailing wage; free/reduced fee for <=200% FPL; agree to match the program award dollar-for-dollar; not federally owned hospital, prisons/jails, schools, state agencies
Applying: Open July 15, 2026, 3:00 p.m. - Close September 15, 2026, 3:00 p.m.; next cycle July 2027
Taxes: 'All payments made under the SLRP may be tax exempt. HCAI does not provide tax advice ... HCAI will not issue an IRS 1099 form to grantees.'
Specialists: Dentist specialties: 'General Dentistry' and 'Pediatric Dentistry' (Registered Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist also listed).

Official sources: hcai.ca.gov (undated (page: 'Application Cycle: CLOSE), hcai.ca.gov (Grant Guide For Cycle Year 2026 (FY 2025). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Closed

County Medical Services Program Loan Repayment Program (CMSP LRP)

HCAI (CMSP Governing Board funding)

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: 2025-26 guide: Initial $50,000 full-time / $25,000 half-time; extension years 1 and 2: $25,000 / $12,500
Commitment: Full-time 40 hrs/week (32 direct patient care), 45 weeks/year; half-time option
Where you can work: Executed contract with the CMSP Governing Board and on CMSP site list; in the 35 CMSP counties
Applying: 'will not be accepting applications for the upcoming (2026-27) application cycle'
Taxes: 'All payments made under the CMSP LRP may be tax exempt. HCAI does not provide tax advice.'
Specialists: Dentist specialty listed: 'General Dentistry' only.

Official sources: hcai.ca.gov (undated), hcai.ca.gov (Fiscal Year 2025-26). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Paused

CalHealthCares Loan Repayment Program (Prop 56)

California DHCS; administered under contract by Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC)

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: up to $300,000 in loan repayment
Commitment: five-year service obligation
Where you can work: Provide care to Medi-Cal patients (details not captured)

Official source: phcdocs.org (Last updated: 9/17/2025). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

CDA Foundation Student Loan Repayment Grant ended: 'In 2022, The CDA Foundation awarded its final Student Loan Repayment Grant' (https://www.cda.org/about/cda-foundation/grants-and-awards/student-loan-repayment-grant/). Other HCAI LRPs (BSN, LVN, LMHSPEP, Steven M. Thompson physician) are non-dental. Grant guide PDF text extracted via macOS PDFKit (WebFetch could not read it).

Colorado

Closed

Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) (state's HRSA-supported SLRP vehicle; public-private partnership)

Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Primary Care Office

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Dentists: $120,000 full-time; $90,000 3/4-time; $60,000 part-time. Dental hygienists: $90,000 / $67,500 / $45,000.
Commitment: Three-year term at approved site; full-time >=40 hrs/wk (32 direct), 3/4-time >=30 (24 direct), part-time >=20 (16 direct)
Where you can work: Located in a federal HPSA or Colorado state HPSA; comprehensive primary medical/oral/behavioral/SUD services; accept all patients regardless of ability to pay; sliding fee <=200% FPL; accept Medicare, Medicaid (Health First Colorado), CHP+
Applying: Generally open in March and September; 'The next application cycle is anticipated to open in March 2027' (applicants page: March 1, 2027)
Taxes: FAQ: 'The loan repayment award is a tax-exempt lump sum payment applied to the awarded clinician's student loan debt.'
Specialists: 'Dentists (general and pediatric)'.

Official sources: coloradohealthservicecorps.org (undated), coloradohealthservicecorps.org (undated), coloradohealthservicecorps.org (undated), cdphe.colorado.gov (undated). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Status unclear

State Dental Loan Repayment Program

CDPHE Primary Care Office

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Dentists: $50,000 (80+ underserved patients/month); $37,500 (60-79); $25,000 (20-59). Hygienists: $12,000 / $8,000 / $6,000.
Commitment: Serve at the same site for a term of two years
Where you can work: Public, nonprofit, or PRIVATE dental practice in Colorado providing direct clinical care; must accept Medicaid, CHP+, and/or uninsured patients each month
Applying: Apply through the CHSC application; cycles open in March and September each year (CHSC pages: next cycle anticipated March 2027)
Specialists: Eligible: 'General dentists', 'Pediatric dentists', 'Dental hygienists'.

Official sources: cdphe.colorado.gov (undated), cdphe.colorado.gov (undated). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

cdphe.colorado.gov/apply-for-loan-repayment (linked from CHSC site) returns 404. Other CDPHE programs (Family Medicine Faculty, Nurse Faculty, Addiction Counselor Scholarship) are non-dental.

Connecticut

Closed

Connecticut State/Student Loan Repayment Program (CT SLRP)

Connecticut Department of Public Health; administered by UConn Health / CT Area Health Education Center (CT AHEC)

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Up to $25,000 per year, total $50,000 after two years (full-time); part-time up to $12,500 per year, total $25,000 after two years (DPH page). ctslrp.org: 'Up to $50K loan repayment funds'.
Commitment: 2 years; full-time (36 hrs/week patient care) or half-time (18 hrs/week) options.
Where you can work: Public and non-profit private entities in a federally designated HPSA (or qualifying state agency); must accept Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, see all patients regardless of ability to pay, sliding-fee scale. Eligible site types include FQHCs, look-alikes, correctional facilities, school-based programs, private practices (with stipulations).
Applying: DPH page: application cycle closed on June 30, 2024.

Official sources: portal.ct.gov (Date: March 12, 2026; Updated 3/10/2026), ctslrp.org (undated), ctslrp.org (undated (FAQ refers to Aug 31, 2024 noti). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Status unclear

Connecticut Student Loan Reimbursement Program (OHE)

Connecticut Office of Higher Education

Dentists: Not stated
What it pays: Up to $5,000 a year with a $20,000 cap over four years; first-come first-serve.
Applying: 'January 1, 2025 or later' (requires 2023 CT tax return, proof of 2024 loan payments).

Official source: portal.ct.gov (Date: February 04, 2026). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

No currently open dentist-eligible CT program found.

Delaware

Full guide to Delaware programs →

Open now

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.

Open now

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.

District of Columbia

Status unclearOlder source: recheck

DC Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP)

DC Health (Department of Health), Primary Care Office

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Program page: 'up to $151,841.29 over four years for physicians and dentists and $83,510.61 for all other eligible providers.' Guidelines (FY 2023): up to $165,040.64 over four years for general dentists (18%/26%/28%/28% of debt by year); part-time $82,520.32; other providers (incl. RDH) $90,770.07.
Commitment: Minimum two years; amounts are for four years of service. Full-time 1800 hrs/yr; part-time min 900 hrs/yr (half award). Program page says full-time.
Where you can work: HPLRP-certified site in a HPSA or MUA/MUP in DC matching discipline; for-profit facilities in Wards 7 and 8 eligible if at least 45% indigent care and accept Medicare/Medicaid/Alliance.
Applying: Program page: 'two cycle openings this Fiscal Year during the months of September and April'; guidelines: Fall and Spring periods.
Taxes: Guidelines: 'HPLRP payments are DC and Federal income tax-exempt.'
Specialists: Guidelines: 'Dentists (DDS/DMD) practicing in general or pediatric dentistry'; application checkboxes include 'Dentist' and 'Pediatric Dentist'. Specialist track (Wards 7/8) described for physicians.

Official sources: dchealth.dc.gov (undated (latest bulletin linked: October), dchealth.dc.gov (undated; amounts stated for FY 2023), dchealth.dc.gov (undated (filename FY25)). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Florida

Closed

Florida Dental Student Loan Repayment Program (FRAMEdental)

Florida Department of Health (FRAME program)

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Dentists: '20% of Loan Principal, $250,000 Maximum (all years), 5 Years of Eligibility' (annual limit $50,000/yr per FY2024-25 report). Dental hygienists: '20% of Loan Principal, $37,500 Maximum (all years)' ($7,500/yr).
Commitment: No multi-year contract; annual awards, participation limited to five (not necessarily consecutive) years. Payments contingent on 25 hours/year of volunteer primary care services in a free clinic or approved community service project.
Where you can work: FY2024-25 report: applicants 'must practice in a public health setting or private practice in a HPSA, and serve Medicaid patients.'
Applying: 2027 award cycle: 'FRAMEdental - March 1, through June 30'

Official sources: floridahealth.gov (undated (announces 2027 award cycle wind), floridahealth.gov (October 1, 2025 (FY2024-25 Annual Report). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Florida is not on HRSA's SLRP award list; no SLRP found. Main FRAME (FRAMEpc/FRAMEmh) does not include dentists.

Georgia

Full guide to Georgia programs →

Open now

Georgia State Office of Rural Health State Loan Repayment Program (GA SORH SLRP)

Georgia Department of Community Health, State Office of Rural Health - Primary Care Office

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: 'up to $50,000 a year in federal funds to a participant working full-time and $25,000 a year in federal funds to a participant working part-time.'
Commitment: Full-time (min 40 hrs/week, 45 weeks/yr) or half-time (20-39 hrs/week, 45 weeks/yr); contract length not stated in guidance.
Where you can work: Public and non-profit private entities in a federally designated HPSA (MUA/state shortage areas do not qualify); for-profit facilities only if operated by a non-profit organization. Guidance lists FQHCs, look-alikes, RHCs, health dept clinics, free clinics, school-based, correctional and 'Private Practices (Solo or Group)' as site types, but every site must meet the public/non-profit criterion, so an ordinary for-profit private practice does not qualify. Must accept Medicare/Medicaid/CHIP and use a sliding fee scale.
Applying: 'The 2026 State Loan Repayment Program application cycle opens August 1, 2026.' (no close date stated)
Specialists: Guidance lists 'Dentist (General and Pediatric)' and 'Registered Dental Hygienist'.

Official sources: dch.georgia.gov (undated (references 2026 cycle opening A), dch.georgia.gov (undated). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Open nowDeadline Oct 12, 2026

Dentists for Rural Areas Assistance Program (DRAA)

Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce (GBHCW)

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: 'A service-cancelable loan of up to $25,000 per year to licensed dentists'; maximum four years
Commitment: One-year contracts, reapply annually, maximum four years; full-time = min 40 hrs/week (32 direct patient contact).
Where you can work: Direct patient care in medically underserved, rural Georgia county with population of 50,000 or less (per eligibility map); must hold Georgia Medicaid provider number and actively treat Medicaid patients.
Applying: FY2027 cycle: September 1 - October 12, 2026, 5:00 PM ET

Official sources: healthcareworkforce.georgia.gov (undated (FY2027 cycle Sept 1 - Oct 12, 2), healthcareworkforce.georgia.gov (2025 flyer (cycle Sept 1 - Nov 3, 2025)). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Open nowDeadline Oct 12, 2026

Georgia Dentist Education Loan Repayment Program (GDELRP)

Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce (GBHCW)

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: 'A service-cancelable loan of up to $150,000 to licensed dentists or fourth-year dental students over four years'
Commitment: Four-year term (48-month commitment) full-time (min 40 hrs/week, 32 direct patient contact).
Where you can work: Direct patient care in medically underserved, rural Georgia county with population of 50,000 or less (per eligibility map).
Applying: FY2027 cycle: September 1 - October 12, 2026, 5:00 PM ET

Official sources: healthcareworkforce.georgia.gov (undated (FY2027 cycle Sept 1 - Oct 12, 2), healthcareworkforce.georgia.gov (2025 flyer (cycle Sept 1 - Nov 3, 2025)). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Three dentist-eligible programs; GBHCW programs currently open (closes Oct 12, 2026). GBHCW FAQ does not address taxes.

Hawaii

Status unclear

Hawaii State Loan Repayment Program (HSLRP)

Hawai'i/Pacific Basin AHEC, John A. Burns School of Medicine (University of Hawai'i)

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
Commitment: 2 years full-time or 4 years half-time at HSLRP sites
Where you can work: Public or nonprofit private entities in HPSAs (HPSA score 0 qualifies; HPSA type must match provider type); see all patients regardless of ability to pay; accept Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP; sliding fee; sites or other donors must provide matching funds equal to half of the award
Specialists: Web page: 'DDS/DMD ... (General and Pediatric Dentistry)'; RDH and Dental Therapist also listed.

Official sources: ahec.hawaii.edu (undated (links '2026-2027 HSLRP Applicat), ahec.hawaii.edu (2026 - 2027 Grant Period), health.hawaii.gov (undated). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Closed

Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program (HELP)

Hawai'i/Pacific Basin AHEC (JABSOM), funded by the Hawai'i State Legislature

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: FAQ: up to $50,000/year for full-time primary care, behavioral health, and rural specialty providers; up to $25,000/year for other full-time healthcare professionals or half-time primary care/behavioral health; up to $12,500/year for residents/fellows, half-time non-primary care or specialists
Commitment: Minimum two years full-time or half-time (half-time = 20 hours/week); continuation year-by-year subject to appropriations
Where you can work: Licensed in Hawai'i, provide care to patients in Hawai'i, and accept public insurance for at least 30% of patient care claims (Medicare FFS/Advantage, Medicaid/QUEST, VA, TRICARE); no HPSA or nonprofit requirement stated
Applying: Deadline: July 17th, 2026 @ 11:59pm; FAQ: 'The application goes live from January to July every year, with awards ... the following August.'
Taxes: FAQ: 'They are exempt from Hawai'i state income tax. Federal treatment may vary, but under IRC §108(f)(4), certain loan repayment programs may be excluded from federal taxable income.'
Specialists: Eligible professions include 'Dentist', 'Community service dentist', 'Dental hygienist', 'Community service dental hygienist'. Highest priority to primary care/behavioral health statewide, 'specialists in rural Hawai'i', residents.

Official sources: ahec.hawaii.edu (undated (deadline July 17, 2026)), ahec.hawaii.edu (undated), ahec.hawaii.edu (START DATE: September 1, 2023). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

HSLRP URL from HRSA/DOH (www.ahec.hawaii.edu/hslrp/) no longer resolves; used current AHEC page.

Idaho

Full guide to Idaho programs →

Open nowDeadline Oct 13, 2026

Idaho State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)

Idaho Dept. of Health and Welfare, Bureau of Healthcare Access

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Up to $50,000 for oral and behavioral health disciplines ($75,000 for primary care) for a two-year service obligation; $1 to $1 match from federal grant and the employing site; awards vary with site match, discipline, competition, and eligible debt
Commitment: Two-year, full-time (40 hours/week, minimum 45 weeks/year)
Where you can work: Government, non-profit, or for-profit organization operated by a non-profit entity, located in a HPSA; sliding fee scale; accept Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP; site must provide dollar-for-dollar match
Applying: Clinician and employer applications due Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time; notification by October 30, 2026
Taxes: FAQ: 'No. Funds for loan repayment in this program are currently not state or federally taxed.'
Specialists: Guidance: 'DDS/DMD: General and Pediatric Dentistry'; RDH and Dental Therapists also eligible.

Official sources: healthandwelfare.idaho.gov (Page last updated: 9-11-2026), publicdocuments.dhw.idaho.gov (SLRP Guidance SFY 27 (July 1, 2026 - Jun), publicdocuments.dhw.idaho.gov (Updated July 2026). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

No state-funded dentist LRP found. Other Idaho programs: Rural Nursing LRP (nurses only), Rural Physician Incentive Program (physicians only), Rural Health Care Access Program (grants to entities up to $35,000 for primary/dental access - not individual loan repayment).

Illinois

Status unclear

Illinois National Health Service Corps State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)

Illinois Department of Public Health (Center for Rural Health)

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: 1st agreement (2-year): Primary Care $75,000; Dental and Psychiatry $50,000. Renewals: 2nd and 3rd agreements $20,000 each (1 year); 4th and 5th $10,000 each (1 year). Part-time receives half.
Commitment: Initial 2-year contract, then 1-year renewals (up to six years); full-time 40 hrs/week (36 direct clinical) or half-time 20 hrs/week (18 direct clinical)
Where you can work: In a HPSA; nonprofit or public facility; accepts Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP; sliding-fee discounts; serves all regardless of ability to pay (FQHCs, RHCs, CAHs, health departments, etc.)
Applying: August 1 - September 30; if funds remain, additional periods January 1-31 and April 1-30

Official sources: dph.illinois.gov (undated), dph.illinois.gov (undated). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

IDPH Underserved Health Care Provider Workforce Program (up to $50,000) does NOT list dentists (physicians, APRNs, PAs, chiropractors, etc. only).

Indiana

Closed

Indiana State Loan Repayment Program (IN-SLRP)

Indiana Department of Health, Division of Chronic Disease, Primary Care and Rural Health

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Up to $40,000 in exchange for two years of service; may reapply once for an additional two-year term
Commitment: Two years full-time (minimum 40 hours/week, at least 45 weeks/year, at least 32 hours direct patient care)
Where you can work: Public or non-profit private entity in a federally designated HPSA appropriate to discipline; sliding fee scale; accept Medicare and Medicaid
Applying: 'Information will be posted here when a new application window opens.'
Taxes: Public Law 108-357 makes SLRP funds disbursed on/after Jan 1, 2004 exempt from gross income and employment taxes (cites 26 U.S.C. 108(f)(4) and 3121(a)(20))
Specialists: Eligible: 'General Practice Dentists (D.D.S OR D.M.D)' and 'Registered Clinical Dental Hygienists (DHs)'. 'If your discipline is not listed, you are not eligible.'

Official source: in.gov (undated). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

No other state-funded dentist LRP found. Delta Dental of Indiana/Delta Dental Foundation dental LRPs are private (not recorded).

Iowa

Status unclearOlder source: recheck

Primary Care Provider Loan Repayment Program (Iowa's State Loan Repayment Program; formerly PRIMECARRE)

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Up to $50,000 for two-year full-time (or four-year half-time) service; up to $25,000 for two-year half-time (tier for physicians/psychiatry/general & pediatric dentistry, read from guidance table layout). Hygienists appear in the lowest tier ($30,000 FT per table layout).
Commitment: Two-year full-time, two-year half-time, or four-year half-time service obligation
Where you can work: Practice site in a federally designated HPSA corresponding to discipline; public or non-profit private entity (or for-profit facility operated by a non-profit); 'For-profit, private entities are NOT eligible'; private practices must be operated by a non-profit organization; sliding fee discount program and non-discrimination policy required.
Applying: 'The annual application cycle is typically open late summer/early fall' (RFP posted on IowaGrants); no specific current-cycle dates seen.
Taxes: 'Loan repayment program awards are not subject to federal or state income taxes.' (cites Public Law 111-148; 'The Primary Care Provider LRP is Iowa's State Loan Repayment Program')
Specialists: Eligible dental discipline listed as 'General and Pediatric Dentistry'; 'Registered Clinical Dental Hygienist' also listed.

Official source: hhs.iowa.gov (April 1, 2024 (program guidance PDF)). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Only dentist-eligible official program found is HHS Primary Care Provider LRP. Iowa Dept. of Education Health Care Professional Incentive Program (educate.iowa.gov, 2026) lists no dentists among eligible occupations. The FIND Project dental loan repayment is funded/run by Delta Dental of Iowa (private insurer), not recorded as an official program.

Kansas

Open now

Kansas State Loan Repayment Program (K-SLRP)

Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), Office of Primary Care and Rural Health

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Web table for DDS/DMD: Year 1 up to $25,000; Year 2 up to $25,000; Year 3 (continuation) $20,000; Year 4 $15,000; Year 5 $10,000. RDH: up to $20,000/$20,000 then $15,000/$10,000/$5,000. Guidance summary: full-time up to $50,000 for a two-year obligation; part-time up to $25,000; continuations up to $20,000 per additional year for up to three years.
Commitment: Minimum two-year commitment, full-time (40 hrs/week, 45 weeks/year) or part-time (min 20 hrs/week); continuations in one-year increments up to three additional years
Where you can work: Non-profit or public health care practice site in a federally designated HPSA (dentists and RDHs must serve in dental HPSAs); site must complete a Practice Site Application
Applying: Application cycle is open year-round; contracts begin quarterly
Taxes: Guidance: 'Tax Liability NOT TAXABLE INCOME'; cites Public Law 108-357 making NHSC LRP and SLRP funds exempt from gross income and employment taxes
Specialists: Approved dental specialties: general dentistry and pediatric dentistry. Pediatric dentists have a different full-time rule (40 hrs/week with at least 21 hrs direct outpatient care vs 32 for general dentists).

Official sources: kdhe.ks.gov (undated), kdhe.ks.gov (Revised August 2025 (2026 guidance)). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

No separate Kansas state-funded dentist loan repayment program found; SLRP is the only dentist-eligible program located.

Kentucky

Full guide to Kentucky programs →

Closed

Kentucky State Loan Repayment Program (KSLRP)

Kentucky Office of Rural Health (University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health)

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Dentists: $100,000 for two-year full-time contract ($25,000/yr KSLRP + $25,000/yr sponsor match); part-time $50,000 total. RDHs: $40,000 two-year full-time; part-time $20,000.
Commitment: Full-time (40 hrs/week) for two years or part-time (20-39 hrs/week) for three years, minimum 45 weeks/year; up to four extensions, six years total
Where you can work: Public or private non-profit entity in a federally designated HPSA (dental HPSA for dental); for-profit facilities ineligible; accept Medicare/Medicaid/CHIP, sliding fee scale; 1:1 sponsor match required
Applying: 2026 cycle: released July 1, 2026, due July 31, 2026; page says 'A new cycle will open in April 2027.'
Taxes: 'Participants receive tax-free student loan repayment' (no code section cited)
Specialists: 2026 guidelines list Dentist (DDS, DMD): 'General Dentistry, Geriatric Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry'; Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).

Official sources: medicine.uky.edu (undated; references 2026 cycle and April), medicine.uky.edu (Program Guidelines and Instructions 2026). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Opens Sep 28Deadline Oct 23, 2026

Healthcare Worker Loan Relief Program of the Commonwealth (HWLRPC)

University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health (funded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky)

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Physicians, Dentists, Pharmacists: $100,000 for a two-year commitment; RDHs: $40,000 (tiered by provider type, debt, funding and sponsor commitment)
Commitment: 24-40 hours/week, up to 4160 hours over a two-to-three-year period; up to four extensions, six years total
Where you can work: Public or private non-profit entity in a HPSA corresponding to discipline (FQHCs, RHCs, health department clinics, etc.); no match required
Applying: Set application windows with biannual consideration (FAQ: 'rolling with bi-annual consideration'). Next window opens September 28, 2026; 'Deadline to apply is 5:00 PM EST, October 23, 2026.' Employment at an eligible site must begin by December 31, 2026.
Taxes: 'Participants receive tax-free student loan repayment' (no code section cited)
Specialists: Dental Care Clinicians: DDS/DMD, RDH; 'other specialties considered'.

Official sources: medicine.uky.edu (undated), medicine.uky.edu (undated), medicine.uky.edu (undated), medicine.uky.edu (undated), medicine.uky.edu (2026), medicine.uky.edu (2026), medicine.uky.edu (undated). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Louisiana

Closed

Louisiana State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)

Louisiana Department of Health - Well-Ahead Louisiana, Louisiana Primary Care Office

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Physicians, psychiatrists and dentists: 'up to $30,000 annually for a three-year initial commitment'. Other professionals (incl. registered clinical dental hygienists): 'up to $20,000 annually for a three-year initial commitment'. Optional two-year renewal at $15,000 annually.
Commitment: Minimum three years; full-time (40 hours/week), with minimum 32 hours/week clinical outpatient/ambulatory services in a federally designated HPSA; no compressed week under 4 days.
Where you can work: Public and nonprofit private entities in federally designated HPSAs (MUAs and state-designated shortage areas do not qualify); site types include FQHCs, look-alikes, RHCs, health department clinics, free clinics, school-based programs, private practices (solo or group) etc.; for-profit facilities operated by nonprofits must accept Medicare/Medicaid/CHIP and use sliding fee scale. Max two professionals per facility.
Applying: Page states 'The 2026-2027 application cycle is currently closed.' (Page also contains stale banners: 'The 2024-2025 application period is now open' and 'The 2023 application period is now closed.')
Taxes: Page: 'Public Law 111-148 ... makes payments under the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program and certain State Loan Repayment Programs tax exempt from federal tax.' 2026-2027 downloadable application: 'State Loan Repayment Program funds are not taxable by the federal government. However, these funds are TAXABLE by the State of Louisiana.' (Form 1099 issued; may withhold 6% for state tax.)
Specialists: Page lists 'Dentists (DDS or DMD general or pediatric)'; application form lists 'General Dentistry (DDS or DMD)' and 'Pediatric Dentist'. Other dental specialties not listed.

Official sources: wellaheadla.com (undated), wellaheadla.com (undated (file named 2026-2027 SLRP appli). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Only dentist-eligible state program found is the SLRP. The Louisiana Physician Loan Repayment Program (also listed by Well-Ahead) is physician-only (not dental).

Maine

Closed

Maine Dental Education Loan Repayment Program

Finance Authority of Maine (FAME)

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Up to $25,000 annually, $100,000 total for agreements first signed after January 1, 2020.
Commitment: Contract term is four years; full-time; no renewals.
Where you can work: Dental HPSA or medically underserved population area in Maine; qualifying facility serves at least 25% of patients regardless of ability to pay, accepts MaineCare payment terms, and notifies patients it accepts MaineCare. Cannot be under NHSC-funded loan repayment agreement.
Applying: Applications available online in February each year; 2026-2027 due June 1, 2026 - 'no longer being accepted'.
Specialists: For dentists 'practicing general dentistry ... full-time' in a dental HPSA or MUP area.

Official source: famemaine.com (undated). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Closed

Maine Health Care Provider Loan Repayment Pilot Program

Finance Authority of Maine (FAME)

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: Up to $25,000 per year or, in aggregate, the lesser of $75,000 or 50% of outstanding loan balance over three years.
Commitment: Commit to living and working in Maine at least three years; full-time.
Applying: Closed March 31, 2025; 'no plans to open an application cycle in 2026.'

Official source: famemaine.com (undated). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Maine's HRSA SLRP: HRSA link goes to Maine CDC Rural Health and Primary Care page, which only says 'The State Loan Repayment Program has assisted more than 80 Mainers' - no current program page, eligibility, or application found. Old SLRP document URL (search title 'Loan Repayment Program for Behavioral Health Providers', FY24) now 404.

Maryland

Closed

Maryland Dent-Care Loan Assistance Repayment Program (MDC-LARP)

Maryland Department of Health, Office of Oral Health, with Maryland Higher Education Commission Office of Student Financial Assistance

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Dentists: full-time up to $50,000/yr for a three-year commitment (total $150,000); part-time up to $25,000/yr for three years ($75,000). Dental hygienists: full-time $10,000/yr for two years ($20,000); part-time up to $5,000/yr for two years.
Commitment: Dentists three years; hygienists two years; full-time or part-time (part-time = 20-39 hrs/wk with at least 80% clinical hours).
Where you can work: Practice in Maryland treating at least 30 percent Maryland Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid) recipients; University of Maryland School of Dentistry is not an eligible worksite.
Applying: 2026-2027 application opened March 2026; closed July 31, 2026 (applicants must be Maryland licensed by July 31, 2026).
Specialists: Not stated as eligible/ineligible; the 2026 application asks 'Are you an ADA recognized specialist? If Yes, what specialty?'

Official sources: health.maryland.gov (undated (describes 2024 legislation)), health.maryland.gov (MDC-LARP 2026 Application), mhec.maryland.gov (undated (2026-2027 cycle dates)). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Dentist-eligible program in MD is MDC-LARP (state), not the SLRP.

Massachusetts

Closed

Massachusetts Loan Repayment Program for Health Professionals (MLRP)

Massachusetts Department of Public Health (Health Care Workforce Center); managed by Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Up to $50,000 for a two-year contract; award amounts vary by discipline; never larger than outstanding loan balance.
Commitment: Two years full-time, or equivalent extended part-time commitment (e.g., 20 hrs/week = 4-year contract).
Where you can work: Work in an underserved community / eligible facility; HPSA referenced for determining underserved areas.
Applying: The 2025 MLRP application cycle is closed; no 2026 cycle information posted.

Official sources: mass.gov (undated), mass.gov (undated), massleague.org (undated). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

MA Repay (Mass League/EOHHS) programs checked: MassHealth Primary Care (closed Dec 12, 2024) lists only PCPs, APRNs, PAs; behavioral health programs have no dental roles found - not dentist-eligible as far as seen.

Michigan

Closed

Michigan State Loan Repayment Program (MSLRP)

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: Up to $300,000 over up to 10 years; two-year agreements = eligible debt (up to $300,000) / 10 x 2; minimum initial two-year agreement $20,000
Commitment: Consecutive two-year agreements; minimum 40 hours/week for no less than 45 weeks/year
Where you can work: Nonprofit practice site in a HPSA (or HPSA facility designation) appropriate to discipline (dental HPSA for dentists); NHSC-compliant sliding fee schedule; employer contributes 20% (nonprofit) or 50% (for-profit employer placing in nonprofit site).
Applying: 2026 application period: March 2, 2026 - April 30, 2026; agreements begin October 1, 2026
Taxes: 'MSLRP funds disbursed on or after January 1, 2004 are exempt from gross income, employment, state, and local taxes.' (cites Public Law 108-357)
Specialists: Eligible type listed as 'Dentists: DDS or DMD' (no specialty restriction stated); sites must provide primary health care services to ambulatory populations.

Official sources: michigan.gov (undated), michigan.gov (12/1/2025), michigan.gov (undated), michigan.gov (undated). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Other MDHHS LRPs (Behavioral Health LRP, MIOTA opioid LRP, Nurse LRP) are non-dental. Delta Dental of Michigan runs a private dentist LRP (not an official state source; not recorded).

Minnesota

Closed

Minnesota State Loan Repayment Program (MN SLRP)

Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Rural Health and Primary Care

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Up to $25,000 annually for full-time dental providers; up to $12,500 for half-time dental providers (primary care: $37,500 / $18,750)
Commitment: Minimum two-year service obligation, full-time or part-time
Where you can work: Nonprofit private or public sites in federally designated HPSAs; outpatient clinic-based primary care
Applying: 2026/2027 cycle open July 9, 2026 - September 9, 2026
Taxes: PIN: awards 'have been exempted as taxable income under federal and Minnesota state law'
Specialists: Eligible: 'General and Pediatric Dentists'. PIN states specialty services such as orthodontics, periodontics, oral/maxillofacial surgery are not eligible.

Official sources: health.state.mn.us (Last Updated: 07/09/2026), health.state.mn.us (2026 Program Information Notice). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Closed

Minnesota Health Care Loan Forgiveness Program - Dentist

Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Rural Health and Primary Care

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: $41,000 annual payment, not to exceed $164,000 over four years or the loan balance, subject to legislative appropriations
Commitment: Minimum three years, maximum four; at least 30 hrs/week, 45 weeks/year
Where you can work: At least 25% of annual patient encounters to state public program enrollees or patients on a formal sliding fee schedule; must live and work in Minnesota
Applying: Open Nov. 1, 2026 to Jan. 6, 2027 (Online Grants Portal)
Taxes: 'Loan forgiveness payments made to participants under the program are considered exempt from federal income taxes. The State of Minnesota will not issue a 1099 form.'

Official sources: health.state.mn.us (Last Updated: 01/27/2026), health.state.mn.us (Last Updated: 08/07/2026). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Both programs administered by MDH ORHPC.

Mississippi

We found no loan repayment program in Mississippi that dentists can apply to. The federal programs below work in every state.

No dentist-eligible loan repayment program currently found. MSDH SLRP is MD/DO only per current page. The State Dental Education Forgivable Loan (DENT; Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid) was a dental-student forgivable loan (1 year service per 1 year of loan as a general dentist in a shortage area, state institution or Section 330 CHC) and is listed under 'Inactive Programs' (https://www.msfinancialaid.org/programs/inactive-programs/); its old page https://www.msfinancialaid.org/state-dental-education-forgivable-loan-dent/ returns 404.

Missouri

Status unclear

Missouri Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) / Health Professional Student Loan Repayment Program

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Office of Rural Health and Primary Care

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: Page: 'Eligible professions to be determined prior to the upcoming application cycle' (no amount stated).
Commitment: 'two years of service per award, which is based on full-time qualifying employment' (40 hours/week, direct patient care in a HPSA)
Where you can work: Full-time direct patient care in a HPSA providing primary health care services; hospitalists, emergency medicine, inpatient facilities and prisons do not qualify.
Applying: 'Application cycle dates are to be determined. Please check back regularly for updates.'
Specialists: Regulation 19 CSR 10-3.030 defines 'Health care professional' as 'a general dentist or primary care physician'. Web page says eligible professions 'to be determined prior to the upcoming application cycle'.

Official sources: health.mo.gov (undated), health.mo.gov (undated), sos.mo.gov (19 CSR 10-3.030 rescinded and readopted ). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Dentist eligibility for the next SLRP cycle is TBD per the page.

Montana

Closed

Montana State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)

Montana DPHHS Primary Care Office

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: 'Awarded providers may receive up to $50,000 ... in exchange for a two-year service commitment to work full-time'; part-time awards (table up to $25,000); subsequent award possible for a maximum benefit of four years
Commitment: Two years, minimum 45 weeks/year; full-time 40 hrs/week (32 direct patient care); part-time at least 20 hrs/week (16 direct)
Where you can work: NHSC active site or approved Montana SLRP site; in a HPSA; primary medical, dental, or mental health services; see patients regardless of ability to pay; public or non-profit; site must match 20% of the SLRP award (ineligible without site match)
Applying: 'The 2026-2027 application cycle will open this Fall'

Official source: dphhs.mt.gov (undated (refers to 2026-2027 cycle / 'Wh). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

No state-funded dentist LRP found. Montana Rural Physician Incentive Program (MRPIP, OCHE) is MD/DO only (https://www.mus.edu/Prepare/Pay/Loans/MRPIP.html); Award Montana lists only MRPIP, nursing (MINIP), and veterinary loan repayment.

Nebraska

Open now

NHSC Nebraska State Loan Repayment Program (NHSC SLRP)

Nebraska DHHS, Office of Rural Health

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: Doctors and dentists: $50,000 per year for two to four years; other professions $25,000 per year
Commitment: Two years, with possible 1-2 year extension (capped at four years); full time = 40 hrs/week (at least 32 hrs scheduled patient time); part time (min 20 hrs/week) may qualify for partial repayment
Where you can work: Public or nonprofit site in a federal shortage area, or an NHSC-designated site; requires US citizen/national
Applying: Rolling; applications approved at the next quarterly Rural Health Advisory Commission meeting
Taxes: FAQ: funds 'are not taxable as income (Public Law 111-148, Section 10908, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act)'

Official sources: dhhs.ne.gov (undated), dhhs.ne.gov (For Immediate Release: 12/11/2024). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Open now

Nebraska Loan Repayment Program (NLRP; state-funded 'Nebraska State Loan Repayment Program')

Nebraska DHHS, Office of Rural Health / Rural Health Advisory Commission

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Doctors and dentists: $60,000 per year for three years ($180,000 statutory total for doctorate-level providers); other professions $30,000/yr ($90,000 total)
Commitment: Three-year contract; full time = 40 hrs/week (at least 32 hrs scheduled patient time); part time min 20 hrs/week may qualify for partial repayment
Where you can work: Facility in a state-designated shortage area (blue or yellow county on DHHS maps) in rural Nebraska; some NHSC sites also qualify; areas within 25-50 miles of Lincoln/Omaha excluded for certain specialties. State employees not eligible.
Applying: Rolling; apply up to 18 months before being fully licensed; approvals at the next quarterly Rural Health Advisory Commission meeting
Taxes: FAQ: funds 'are not taxable as income (Public Law 111-148, Section 10908, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act)'
Specialists: Dentists use the eligibility map for their trained/practicing specialty: General Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry, or Oral Surgery.

Official sources: dhhs.ne.gov (undated), dhhs.ne.gov (For Immediate Release: 12/11/2024). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

HRSA link for NE points to a GIS map; program facts taken from DHHS FAQ page. Cannot participate in both programs simultaneously.

Nevada

Closed

Nevada Health Service Corps State Loan Repayment Program (NHSC SLRP)

Nevada State Office of Rural Health, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Dental & Mental Health (FT): Up to $50,000 for 2 years; half-time: half of full-time award; renewals up to half of initial award per one-year renewal term
Commitment: 2 years; full-time 40 hrs/week for 45 weeks/year; half-time 20-39 hrs/week for 45 weeks/year
Where you can work: NHSC SLRP-approved site; public or non-profit private entity located in a HPSA; sliding fee scale; see all patients regardless of ability to pay; accept Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP (for nonprofits operating for-profit facilities)
Applying: Applications accepted annually July 1 - August 31
Taxes: 'Effective January 1, 2004, loan repayment funds provided under the NHSC SLRP program are not considered taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service.'
Specialists: 'DDS/DMD General and Pediatric Dentistry'.

Official sources: med.unr.edu (undated), med.unr.edu (Program Policy Guidebook 2026-2029). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Closed

Nevada Health Equity and Loan Assistance (HEAL) Program (AB 45, 2023)

Nevada State Treasurer's Office

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: Dentist: $120,000 total maximum repayment, $24,000 annual (2026 Eligible Providers Repayment Schedule)
Commitment: At least 5 years of full-time clinical practice in an eligible underserved Nevada community; paid annually to servicer over 5 years
Where you can work: Practice in rural or urban underserved communities (rural counties <100,000 people, qualified low-income census tracts, high CDC SVI tracts, >20% non-English-proficient households, tribal communities, etc.); must be Nevada resident and licensed in NV
Applying: 30-day application period each year; 'The 2026 application period is now closed.'

Official sources: nevadatreasurer.gov (undated), nevadatreasurer.gov (undated), nevadatreasurer.gov (2026 Eligible Providers Repayment Schedu), nevadatreasurer.gov (Updated 01/15/25). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

A Nevada WICHE 'Health Care Access Program (HCAP) For Loan Repayment' application form (undated, lists Dentistry) exists at nshe.nevada.edu, but the current Nevada WICHE programs page lists only PSEP and HPEP (student programs) - HCAP loan repayment appears discontinued; not recorded as a program. A 10/18/2024 Patient Protection Commission slide omitted dentists from AB45 list, but Treasurer's own FAQ and 2026 schedule include Dentist.

New Hampshire

Full guide to New Hampshire programs →

Open now

New Hampshire State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)

NH DHHS, Division of Public Health Services, Rural Health & Primary Care Section

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Full-time Tier 1 dentists: $75,000 for 36-month minimum obligation, optional 24-month extension at $40,000. Part-time dentists: $27,500 for 24 months, optional 12-month extension at $10,000. Tier 3 RDHs full-time: $30,000 for 36 months (+24-month extension $10,000).
Commitment: Minimum 36 months full-time or 24 months part-time at current practice site.
Where you can work: Guidelines 2.3: primary, medical, oral or behavioral health services 'in a public, private, or nonprofit practice' located in a HPSA, MHPSA, DHPSA, MUA/P or Governor's Exceptional MUP, or a DHHS-funded organization; sliding-fee scale approved by SLRP; accept Medicaid and Medicare; serve all regardless of ability to pay. Private practices can qualify.
Applying: Rolling; reviewed quarterly. Deadlines April 1 (Oct 1 start), July 1 (Jan 1 start), October 1 (April 1 start), January 1 (July 1 start).
Taxes: 'State Loan Repayment Funds are exempt from federal taxes under Section 10908 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act' (guidelines).
Specialists: Tier 1 lists 'General Practice Dentists (DDS or DMD)'; guidelines table: 'DDS or DMD General Practice Dentist'. Specialists not listed.

Official sources: dhhs.nh.gov (undated (links annual reports through 20), dhhs.nh.gov (undated). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Open nowOlder source: recheck

NH Private Practice Dentists State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP-PPD)

NH DHHS, Division of Public Health Services, Rural Health & Primary Care Section

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: Total repayment of $75,000 over three years (Tier 1 chart: $30,000 / $25,000 / $20,000).
Commitment: Firm three-year commitment, full-time (minimum 40 hrs/week, 45 weeks/yr).
Where you can work: Private practice located in a Medicaid-defined priority area; enrolled NH Medicaid provider; minimum 15% Medicaid patients per quarter.
Applying: Rolling; reviewed quarterly.
Taxes: 'State Loan Repayment Funds are exempt from federal taxes under Section 10908 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.'

Official sources: dhhs.nh.gov (undated), dhhs.nh.gov (SLRP-PPD Guidelines v9-24). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

NH not listed on HRSA SLRP contacts page; found via state DHHS site.

New Jersey

Closed

Health Care Professional Loan Redemption Program (HCPLRP)

New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA)

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: 'up to $200,000 in student loan redemption for two to four years of service'; per year: 18% up to $36,000 (yr1), 26% up to $52,000 (yr2), up to 28%/$56,000 (yr3 and yr4).
Commitment: Minimum 2 years full-time (min 35 hrs/wk), including six-month probationary period; optional 3rd and 4th years may be part-time.
Where you can work: State-designated medically underserved area or federally designated HPSA, or a clinic in the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine extramural dental clinic network; universal access regardless of insurance; participate in Medicare and Medicaid unless services free.
Applying: 'The application period for this program is currently closed.'
Taxes: Not stated; manual says participants 'are encouraged to consult a qualified tax advisor regarding the tax ramifications'.
Specialists: Manual: 'Dentists: graduation from an accredited dental school; for pediatric dentistry, satisfactory completion of residency in pedodontics.' Productivity standards listed for Dentists and Pediatric Dentists.

Official sources: hesaa.org (undated), hesaa.org (Revised as of July 2026). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Status unclearOlder source: recheck

Primary Care Practitioner Loan Redemption Program of New Jersey (NJLRP)

Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (per NJ DOH page)

Dentists: Eligible
Where you can work: State designated underserved areas or federally designated HPSAs

Official source: nj.gov (Last Reviewed: 2/11/2021). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

New Jersey has no entry on HRSA's SLRP contacts list; no NJ SLRP found. Dentist-eligible current program is HESAA's HCPLRP (closed).

New Mexico

Closed

New Mexico Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP)

New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED), Financial Aid Division

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: Other (non-physician) health professions 'may receive a maximum of $25,000 per year, limited by educational debt' (physicians: 'a minimum of $75,000 per year').
Commitment: All other health professionals: 3-year service obligation, full-time in a health professional shortage area; part-time may qualify for prorated awards
Where you can work: Practice in a health professional shortage area in New Mexico; 2026 applications scored using NMDOH data, federal HPSA designations and MCTA scores. Recruitment awards require relocating to and starting practice in a designated shortage area within 90 days; retention awards require service in current position, facility and county.
Applying: Next application opens March 15, 2027 and closes May 15, 2027 at 11:59pm

Official sources: hed.nm.gov (undated (references 2026 applications an), hed.nm.gov (undated). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

HRSA's SLRP contact list links NM to the NMHED homepage (http://www.hed.state.nm.us/); NMHED's loan repayment program listing shows no separately named SLRP, so the SLRP funds appear to flow through/alongside HPLRP but no official page confirming this was found. Other NMHED programs (WICHE and Allied Health Loan-For-Service) are student loan-for-service programs, not loan repayment, and were not recorded.

New York

Full guide to New York programs →

Open nowDeadline Oct 27, 2026

Primary Care Service Corps (PCSC) Loan Repayment Program - Round 8 (SOI #20820)

New York State Department of Health, Office of Health Care Workforce Innovation

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Up to $72,000 for full-time dentists; up to $36,000 for registered dental hygienists and for dentists practicing half-time (SOI Award Limits: $36,000 unless NP/PA/midwife or 'a full time dentist, in which case the award limit is $72,000 for a three-year contract'); not to exceed the individual's qualifying educational debt. Total SOI funding up to $504,990.
Commitment: Three-year commitment (contract term July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2029). Full-time dentist: minimum 40 hrs/week (at least 32 direct patient care), 45 weeks/yr. Half-time classification for dentists/hygienists: at least 20 hrs/week (not to exceed 39), 45 weeks/yr.
Where you can work: Must practice at an Active NHSC Approved Site with a HPSA score of 1 or more for the clinician's discipline (dental HPSA for dentists) on the date of award; primary care/outpatient setting. Clinician must have begun employment at the intended worksite on or before July 1, 2026 (Addendum #1).
Applying: Issued August 27, 2026; questions due September 14, 2026; applications due October 27, 2026 4:00 PM (Addendum #1 dated September 2, 2026).
Taxes: Round 8 SOI Attachment 10 (Tax Issues): PCSC funds 'may be currently exempt from federal and state taxes'; recipients 'should not be issued a 1099 statement'; cites ACA Sec. 10908 / IRC 108(f)(4).
Specialists: Only dentists who will provide general or pediatric dentistry are eligible; 'Any time spent providing other services, such as endodontic, periodontics or orthodontic care, is ineligible for loan repayment funds.' Hygienists must provide general or pediatric dental hygiene services.

Official sources: health.ny.gov (Revised: August 2026), health.ny.gov (Date of Issue: August 27, 2026; Addendum), health.ny.gov (Date of Issue: March 20, 2025 (Round 7; ). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Closed

Health Care Access Loan Repayment (HEALR) Program

New York State Department of Health (1115 Medicaid Waiver workforce initiative)

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: Dentists (DMD, DDS): Up to $100,000 per awardee; final awards based on total eligible outstanding student loan debt.
Commitment: Four years full-time (minimum 35 hours/week; may combine part-time positions at multiple eligible organizations to total 35).
Where you can work: NYS Medicaid-enrolled provider/organization/practice where at least 30% of patient panel are Medicaid members and/or uninsured, OR contracted with a state-designated Social Care Network providing HRSN services. Personal practice panel meeting 30% also qualifies.
Applying: Individual application portal open until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2026 (employer portion until March 31, 2026). Contracts estimated late summer 2026.
Taxes: 'may be currently exempt from federal and state taxes'; should not be issued a 1099 by NYSDOH; cites ACA Sec. 10908 amending IRC 108(f)(4).

Official source: health.ny.gov (Revised: September 2026). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

HRSA's SLRP contact link for NY points to Doctors Across New York (DANY), which is physician-only (Physician Loan Repayment/Practice Support; Cycle XI closed, Cycle XII forthcoming; 3-year obligation, max $120,000) - not dentist-eligible, so not recorded. A NY dentist loan repayment bill (S5339/A2339, up to $1.2M/yr for FY2025-2028) appeared in search results but no enacted program page was found; not recorded.

North Carolina

Full guide to North Carolina programs →

Open now

North Carolina Loan Repayment Program (NC LRP)

NC DHHS Office of Rural Health (ORH), Placement Services Team

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Dentists: 'Up to $100,000' (full-time), up to 4 years; Dental Hygienists: 'Up to $60,000', up to 4 years. Capped at documented principal educational loan debt; pro-rated for part-time.
Commitment: Up to 4 years; full-time = at least 32 hrs/week direct patient care; part-time = 20-31 hrs/week (pro-rated award). Max two NC LRP awards.
Where you can work: Outpatient comprehensive primary care sites located within a HPSA (score matching discipline); must accept Medicaid and Medicare; exempt sites include FQHCs, free clinics, health depts, RHCs, NHSC sites, school-based; private dental practices eligible as non-exempt sites (need sliding fee scale, site data table).
Applying: Rolling; 'Funding is limited and the awards will be based on a first-come, first-served basis'. Employment must have started within past 5 years.
Taxes: Guidelines: 'incentive payments to repay their loans tax-free'; ORH web page: 'Offers up to $100,000 (non-taxable)'. No IRC section cited.
Specialists: Guidelines list 'Dentists' without specialty restriction; sites must provide comprehensive outpatient primary care (care not limited to a particular organ system/population).

Official sources: ncdhhs.gov (Revised: June 25, 2025), ncdhhs.gov (undated). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

North Carolina is not on HRSA's SLRP award list; current ORH page lists NC LRP, HNSB, NC PCPI (physicians only), NCNI (nurses) - no separate SLRP page. (A search snippet from an NC legislative report says most historical dentist contracts were via the NC State Loan Repayment Program, but no current SLRP page was found.)

North Dakota

Closed

ND Federal Loan Repayment Program (HRSA-funded SLRP)

North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Primary Care Office

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Up to $50,000 for a two-year service obligation; amount based on discipline; part-time proportionately lower
Commitment: Minimum 2 years, with continuation opportunities for years 3, 4 and 5; full time = min 32 hrs/week direct patient care (+8 admin); part time = min 16 hrs/week direct care (+4 admin)
Where you can work: Non-profit (public or private) site in a HPSA providing outpatient primary medical, behavioral and/or dental services; sliding fee for <=200% FPL; accept Medicare/Medicaid/CHIP. Employer match up to 50% of award required (new for 2026-2029 grant cycle).
Applying: Page states application period has CLOSED; no next dates given
Taxes: 'The funds paid by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (federal funds) are all tax free'; quotes IRS Pub 970 and 26 U.S.C. 3401(a)(19) (not wages for FICA)

Official source: hhs.nd.gov (undated (references 2026-2029 grant cycl). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Closed

North Dakota Dental Loan Repayment Program (ND Health Service Corps)

North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Primary Care Office (with ND Dental Association consultation)

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: State funds paid up to $100,000 over 5 years
Commitment: Five-year agreement; full-time direct patient care (no more than 8 hrs/week admin); payments after each 12-month period; no payments until at least six months full-time practice
Where you can work: Priority: public health clinic, practice focused on underserved population, or nonprofit dental clinic; federally designated dental HPSA or state-defined critical shortage area. Dentists within 15 miles of the three largest cities must have >= $20,000 in medical assistance reimbursement or practice >= 2 full days/week at a public health or nonprofit sliding-fee dental clinic.
Applying: Page states the 2026 ND Health Service Corps application cycle is CLOSED; must be available to begin by July 1
Taxes: Page quotes IRS Pub 970 / IRC gross-income exclusion for state loan repayment programs for underserved areas and states payments are not 'wages' for FICA under 26 U.S.C. 3401(a)(19)
Specialists: Priority to dentists trained in general or pediatric dentistry 'or in a dental specialty where such services are needed in the identified city or surrounding areas'

Official source: hhs.nd.gov (undated (states 2026 cycle closed)). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

ND Healthcare Professional Loan Repayment Program (state) was also checked; its discipline list (physicians, clinical psychologists, advanced practice, RNs, behavioral health) does not include dentists or hygienists: https://www.hhs.nd.gov/health/primary-care-office/north-dakota-health-service-corps/healthcare-professional-loan-repayment

Ohio

Closed

Ohio Dentist Loan Repayment Program (ODLRP) and Ohio Dental Hygienist Loan Repayment Program (ODHLRP)

Ohio Department of Health, Primary Care Office

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Up to $25,000 annually for first two-year contract; up to $35,000 annually for a third and fourth year. Part-time (20-39 hrs/week) up to half.
Commitment: Minimum two years; full-time 40 hours/week (part-time 20-39 hours/week)
Where you can work: Dental HPSA or Dental Health Resource Shortage Area; accept Medicaid; see patients regardless of ability to pay
Applying: 'The application cycle closed on March 14, 2025.' No 2026 cycle information on page.
Specialists: Eligible: 'Currently practicing general and pediatric dentists and dental hygienists'; dental residents in final year of pediatric or general practice residency or AEGD; final-year dental/dental hygiene students.

Official source: odh.ohio.gov (undated; latest LRP date shown March 14,). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Other ODH LRPs (physician, SUD professional) do not include dentists.

Oklahoma

Open now

Oklahoma Dental Loan Repayment Program (ODLRP)

Oklahoma State Department of Health, Dental Health Service

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: Not to exceed $50,000 per year per full-time-equivalent dentist (set annually based on appropriations); prorated by time worked; up to 5 years total participation; not more than total eligible indebtedness
Commitment: One-year contracts, renewable annually up to 5 years total; full-time = 128 hours/month practicing dentistry
Where you can work: Practice in an Oklahoma DHPSA (state-designated) or exempted facility; any solo/group/private practice or federal/state/local/for-profit/nonprofit dental facility; at least 30% of patient visits by Medicaid recipients; must be a Medicaid dental provider. Alternative: faculty at OU College of Dentistry.
Applying: Applications accepted at any time during the year; reviewed as vacancies and funding become available
Specialists: General or pediatric dental practice required; licensed pediatric dentistry specialists (and dentists at FQHCs/look-alikes/county or city-county health departments) may be exempt from the DHPSA location requirement. Faculty positions at OU College of Dentistry also qualify.

Official sources: oklahoma.gov (undated (rules text amended eff. 9-11-21), oklahoma.gov (Revised May 2025), oklahoma.gov (Issued April 2024). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Oklahoma's HRSA SLRP (OK Health Corps) excludes dentists; the state-funded ODLRP is the dentist program.

Oregon

Full guide to Oregon programs →

Status unclear

Oregon Partnership State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)

Oregon Office of Rural Health (OHSU), HRSA funds matched by Oregon Health Authority

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Dental providers: full-time up to $50,000 total (or $25,000 per year); half-time up to $25,000 total (or $12,000 per year) [sic]; capped at lesser of 50% of qualifying educational debt or the federal maximum. Continuations up to $25,000/yr full-time dental.
Commitment: Minimum 2-year service commitment (full-time or half-time); continuations in 1-year increments
Where you can work: Nonprofit (public or private); located in a HPSA; outpatient primary medical/behavioral/dental services; free or reduced-fee for <=200% FPL; serve all regardless of ability to pay; accept public insurance; ORH-approved Site Application no more than two years old
Taxes: 'Loan repayment awards administered through the Oregon Office of Rural Health are not considered taxable income. Participants are not responsible for federal taxes on these loan repayment funds.'
Specialists: Page lists 'Dentist (DMD/DDS)' with no specialty restriction stated for dentists; requires outpatient primary care services.

Official source: ohsu.edu (undated). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Open nowDeadline Jan 11, 2027

Oregon Health Care Provider Incentive Loan Repayment Program (OAR 409-036)

Oregon Office of Rural Health (OHSU) / Oregon Health Authority

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Full-time: 70% of qualifying loan balance, up to $50,000 per service year (debt < $29,000: up to 100%, max lesser of debt or $20,000). Part-time: 35%, up to $25,000 per service year (debt < $15,000: up to 100%, max lesser of debt or $10,000).
Commitment: Minimum 3-year service obligation (full-time or part-time)
Where you can work: HPSA/Facility HPSA/underserved area OR Medicaid/Medicare share >= county average OR essential services to underserved population as determined by OHA; AND valid ORH Site Application within past 24 months; outpatient primary care; serve all patients regardless of insurance or ability to pay
Applying: Current deadline 12:00 p.m. PT January 11, 2027; next review cycle opens January 12, 2027 and closes noon PT April 8, 2027
Taxes: Page: 'participants receive tax-free funds'; Loan Repayment overview: 'Loan repayment programs provide tax-free funds'
Specialists: 'Dentists in general or pediatric practice' only.

Official sources: ohsu.edu (undated), ohsu.edu (undated). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Closed

Primary Care Loan Forgiveness (PCLF)

Oregon Office of Rural Health (OHSU)

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: Forgivable loans for tuition and fees; cannot exceed highest resident tuition rates at publicly funded Oregon health professional programs
Commitment: One year of clinical service at an approved rural site per year of funding; at least 32 hours/week direct patient care, 45 weeks/year; begin within 90 days of graduation/residency
Where you can work: HPSA/underserved or Medicaid/Medicare >= county average or OHA-determined; AND rural; site application within past 12 months
Applying: 'The 2026 PCLF application cycle has closed. The 2027 PCLF application will be posted here in October of 2026.'
Specialists: Primary care definition for dentists: 'General Adult and General Pediatric Dentistry'.

Official source: ohsu.edu (undated). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Oregon Behavioral Health LRP is non-dental (skipped). ORH also lists a 'Rural Tax Credit for Dentists' (tax credit, not LRP; not researched).

Pennsylvania

Closed

Pennsylvania Primary Care Loan Repayment Program (LRP)

Pennsylvania Department of Health, Primary Care Office

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Physicians, dentists, psychologists: up to $80,000 full-time, up to $40,000 half-time (two-year contract). Others (incl. hygienists): up to $48,000 full-time, $24,000 half-time.
Commitment: Two-year full-time (36-40 hrs/wk) or half-time (min 20 hrs/wk) commitment; 2026 agreement term July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2028.
Where you can work: LRP-approved outpatient primary care site in a federally designated HPSA or serving at least 30% low-income patients; includes FQHCs, free clinics, general dental clinics, RHCs, health departments, and medical/dental group or solo private practices. Specialty clinics, inpatient, federal/county/local prisons ineligible.
Applying: RFA 67-206 issued April 2, 2026; applications due 11:59 p.m. EST May 4, 2026. Future cycles by competitive RFA (email RA-DHLoanRepayment@pa.gov to be notified).
Taxes: RFA and Feb 23, 2026 letter: federal - generally excluded from gross income under 26 U.S.C. 108(f)(4); PA - 'may not be taxable under Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax' per PIT Bulletin 2009-02.
Specialists: RFA: 'Dentists: Practicing in general dentistry or pediatric dentistry'; dental specialty services 'such as, but not limited to, orthodontics, endodontics, and periodontics' are excluded. Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioners also eligible.

Official sources: pa.gov (undated), pa.gov (Rev. March 2026), pa.gov (April 2, 2026), pa.gov (February 23, 2026). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

No other state-funded dentist LRP found; PHEAA's new 2026 Medical and Health Professional Loan program is a loan, not repayment (seen only in search results).

Puerto Rico

Status unclear

Puerto Rico Loan Repayment Program (PR-LRP) / 'Programa de Repago de Préstamo Estudiantil de Puerto Rico'

Departamento de Salud de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico Department of Health), HRSA Grants to States for Loan Repayment award 1 H56HP55614-01-00

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: 'hasta $75,000' for primary care physicians ('médicos primarios') and 'hasta $50,000' for other eligible health professionals 'incluyendo personal de salud oral y conductual' (including oral and behavioral health personnel).
Commitment: Minimum two years ('un mínimo de dos años'); full/part time not stated.
Where you can work: Facilities located in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) in Puerto Rico; DOH is enrolling HPSA-certified facilities.
Applying: Participant application period expected to open October 2026 ('Se espera abrir el periodo de solicitudes para participantes en Octubre del 2026'); orientations planned for September.

Official source: salud.pr.gov (miércoles, 26 de agosto de 2026). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Status unclear

Programa de Repago de Préstamos Estudiantiles a Médicos o Dentistas, Veterinarios y Científicos Investigadores (Código de Incentivos, Sección 2022.06)

Departamento de Desarrollo Económico y Comercio (DDEC), Puerto Rico

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: 'hasta un máximo de sesenta y cinco mil dólares ($65,000)' payable at start of the seven-year period, subject to funds and DDEC regulations.
Commitment: Establish practice and remain in Puerto Rico seven (7) consecutive years; clawback 100% if breach in first 2 years, 70% in year 3, declining 5%/yr thereafter.
Where you can work: Practice in Puerto Rico; DDEC may set geographic-shortage criteria by regulation. Only for those graduating after the Code's effective date who pass the dental board (Reválida de Medicina Dental); priority to those who studied in PR.
Specialists: Statute allows DDEC regulations to consider dental specialties/subspecialties with shortages; pediatric practice exempt from geographic-area criterion.

Official source: bvirtualogp.pr.gov (Rev. 16 de julio de 2026 (Ley 60-2019, s). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

PR-LRP (HRSA SLRP) is being implemented; applications expected Oct 2026.

Rhode Island

Status unclear

Rhode Island Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP)

Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) jointly with RI Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
Commitment: Initial two-year service obligation (one year for continuation after completing initial term); full-time (40 hrs/week, at least 32 direct patient care) or half-time (20-39 hrs/week); extensions up to 6 years total.
Where you can work: HPLRP-approved site in a federally designated HPSA in RI appropriate to discipline (dental HPSA for dentists); public or private not-for-profit outpatient facility; prevailing wage; sliding fee discount program.
Taxes: 'All payments made under the HPLRP may be tax-exempt. HPLRP does not provide tax advice.'
Specialists: Approved disciplines: 'DDS/DMD: General and Pediatric Dentistry'; dentists table lists General Dentistry and Pediatric Dentistry only.

Official sources: health.ri.gov (undated), ri.gov (Release date: 04-30-2025). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Award amount and cycle status not verified due to 403 on program page.

South Carolina

Closed

South Carolina Rural Dentist Loan Repayment Program

South Carolina Area Health Education Consortium (SC AHEC) / Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC); state-appropriated funds, Board-managed

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: Community dentists: 'up to a total of $100,000 towards their student loans', paid twice a year over four years. MUSC College of Dental Medicine faculty: amount varies, one-year contracts.
Commitment: Four years in an underserved area (community dentists); handbook refers to serving as a 'full-time dentist' but does not specify hours.
Where you can work: Practice in a HPSA in South Carolina (specific predetermined site) or full-time faculty at MUSC College of Dental Medicine; must be/become Medicaid provider and treat at least 100 unduplicated Medicaid patients per year (not required for faculty).
Applying: 'The application cycle is currently closed and will reopen in mid-to-late October 2026.' Applications open mid-to-late October, due February; decisions July.

Official sources: scahec.net (undated), scahec.net (Program Handbook | Updated October 2025). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

South Carolina is not on HRSA's SLRP award list; SC DPH Primary Care Office page (Updated Dec. 1, 2025) lists only SC AHEC programs and NHSC - no state SLRP.

South Dakota

Open now

Recruitment Assistance Program (RAP)

South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Rural Health

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: Incentive payment beginning July 1, 2026 for a qualifying physician or dentist: $258,702.00 (split between community and state by community population: 25%/50%/75% community share)
Commitment: At least three consecutive years full-time (min 40 hrs/week incl. 32 hrs patient care, 48 weeks/year)
Where you can work: Eligible rural community: population 10,000 or less, not within 20 miles of a city of 50,000+, unmet provider need >0.25 FTE (dentist need ratio 1 FTE per 3,000 people); community pays pro-rated share; must be SD Medicaid provider serving Medicaid/Medicare/CHIP
Applying: First-come, first-served; community/facility requests assessment from Office of Rural Health; provider must be on-site less than four months
Taxes: FAQ: 'Yes, the payments made to participants are considered taxable income by the IRS.' (NOT tax-exempt)
Specialists: Must agree to practice full-time as a general or pediatric dentist

Official sources: doh.sd.gov (Content last updated: September 10, 2026), doh.sd.gov (Content last updated: June 30, 2025). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

South Dakota is not listed on HRSA's SLRP contacts page (no HRSA-funded SLRP), and DOH's recruitment assistance page lists no SLRP (only RAP, RHFRAP, and federal NHSC). The old SLRP URL https://doh.sd.gov/providers/ruralhealth/recruitment/SLRP.aspx returns 404. No true state loan repayment program for dentists found; RAP is a taxable incentive payment.

Tennessee

Status unclearOlder source: recheck

Tennessee State Loan Repayment Program (TSLRP)

Tennessee Department of Health, State Office of Rural Health and Health Access

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: 'Maximum TSLRP award is up to $50,000 for an initial 2-year service obligation contingent upon funding availability.' Renewal: up to $20,000 per year.
Commitment: Initial 2-year obligation (min 2, max 5 years); full-time 40 hrs/week (max 8 hrs admin) or part-time 20-39 hrs/week choosing a 2- or 4-year obligation.
Where you can work: Ambulatory primary care public, non-profit or private not-for-profit entity in a federally designated HPSA, or an FQHC or RHC; must accept Medicaid/Medicare, CoverKids agreement, sliding fee scale. One provider per site, three per health system per year.
Applying: Announcement lists 'November 6, 2020 - January 5, 2021' (no current cycle found).
Specialists: Dentist (DDS/DMD): 'General Practice' and 'Pediatrics' only.

Official sources: tn.gov (undated (application cycle Nov 6, 2020 -), tn.gov (undated). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Status unclear

Dental Loan Repayment Program (TDH State Office of Rural Health)

Tennessee Department of Health, State Office of Rural Health

Dentists: Eligible
Where you can work: 'service in federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas'; 'providers who practice in safety-net and community-based settings'

Official source: tn.gov (undated). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Status unclear

Healthy Smiles Student Loan Repayment Program

Tennessee Center for Health Workforce Development (TCWD), funded by a grant from the Tennessee Department of Health

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: 'Dentists receive up to $300,000 for a 3-year service obligation'; 'Hygienists receive up to $50,000 for a 2-year service obligation'; 'Dental assistants receive up to $20,000 for a 2-year service obligation'
Commitment: Minimum 3 years for dentists, 2 years for hygienists/assistants; must work full-time.
Where you can work: TN Department of Health clinics; safety net clinics; rural clinics seeing 20% TennCare; urban clinics seeing 40% TennCare. Must be employed or starting within 30 days.
Applying: 'Updated Application Cycle Information Coming Soon'

Official source: tncwd.com (undated). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Also on TDH page: Optometry/Ophthalmology LRP (not dental). TDH TSLRP program page 404; SLRP details only from 2020 announcement.

Texas

Closed

Texas State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Annual awards 'can be up to $25,000 a year', paid to the lender/servicer after each completed year of service
Commitment: Three consecutive years of full-time or part-time service (FAQ also references a 'minimum two-year contract obligation' with minimum $31,000 penalty for failure)
Where you can work: Federally designated HPSA; ineligible sites include county/local prisons, inpatient hospitals (except CAHs/IHS hospitals), other inpatient facilities, and VA/military/Tricare-only clinics
Applying: Page states the SLRP application period is currently closed; no next-cycle dates given
Taxes: 'SLRP awards are not considered taxable income so you will not receive a 1099 for this award.'
Specialists: Eligible discipline listed as 'General and Pediatric Dentistry'; no other dental specialties listed.

Status unclear

St. David's Foundation Public Health Corps Loan Repayment Program

Not stated on the DSHS page (foundation-funded program listed by Texas DSHS Primary Care Office)

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: Up to $30,000 for 1 year of service
Commitment: Agree to provide 4 years of service; funding currently only provided for the first year, and provider is released if grant funding is not continued
Where you can work: Approved practice site (outpatient primary care or behavioral health facility) in the 5-county St. David's service area (per physician section of same page)
Specialists: Listed as 'Dentists (General/Pediatric)'

Official source: dshs.texas.gov (undated). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

The DSHS 'Dentist and Dental Hygienist Loan Repayment Programs' section lists only NHSC LRP, NHSC Students to Service, St. David's Foundation PHC LRP, VA EDRP and PSLF; it does not list the SLRP or the Texas Dental Education Loan Repayment Program (DELRP). DELRP is not listed on THECB's current loan repayment program list; only aggregator sites describe it (as suspended), so it was not recorded.

Utah

Full guide to Utah programs →

Open now

Health Care Workforce Financial Assistance Program (HCWFAP) (HRSA-supported; Utah's SLRP)

Utah DHHS Office of Primary Care and Rural Health (PCRH)

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Over 3 years, excluding 20% site match: MD, DO; DDS, DMD; PHARM $75,000; RDH, BSDH (and BS/BA RN) $30,000; part-time = half total award
Commitment: Three-year service commitment; part-time award requires at least 20 hours/week
Where you can work: Located in a HPSA; sliding-fee schedule; agree to match 20% of the state's award; approved site
Applying: Rolling; 'should be submitted before March 1, 2027 for the next enrollment period'; must apply within 18 months of beginning employment at an approved site
Taxes: Page: 'Are student loan repayments taxable? Review IRS publication 970, page 37' (no explicit statement)

Official sources: ruralhealth.utah.gov (undated), ruralhealth.utah.gov (undated), ruralhealth.utah.gov (undated (describes rule R434-40 update o). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Rural Physicians Loan Repayment Program is physicians-only. No separate state dental LRP found.

Vermont

Full guide to Vermont programs →

Open nowDeadline Oct 16, 2026

Vermont Educational Loan Repayment Program - Dental Professionals (DMD, DDS, RDH, DT)

UVM Larner College of Medicine Office of Primary Care and AHEC Program, on behalf of the State (Vermont Department of Health sets priorities)

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Up to $50,000 maximum total funds annually (federal/state + match funds); $300,000 max over 6 years. Dentists/dental therapists: $10,000-$25,000 state/federal funds per year full-time ($5,000-$12,500 half-time), employer match required. RDH: $5,000-$10,000/yr full-time ($2,500-$5,000 half-time).
Commitment: Recruitment and Job-Seeker awards: 1-year (12 months); Retention awards: up to 2 years. Full-time 40 hrs/week (36 direct clinical) or half-time 20-39 hrs/week (18 direct clinical); 45 weeks/year.
Where you can work: Dental practices in Vermont; federal SLRP funds focused on FQHCs in HPSAs (dentist must serve in dental HPSA); state funds usable more broadly. Must accept Medicare/Medicaid/Dr. Dynasaur and meet a Medicaid patient target; no membership/concierge-fee practices.
Applying: 2027 applications now open; deadline for applications: October 16, 2026; award notifications winter 2027 (estimated).
Taxes: 'The federal Affordable Care Act ... treats debt repayment under the AHEC administered Vermont Educational Loan Repayment Program ... as exempt for income tax purposes.'

Official sources: uvm.edu (undated ('2027 Application is now open!'), uvm.edu (2027 cycle document (footer 'Version:124), uvm.edu (2027 flyer), healthvermont.gov (undated). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Vermont Care Partners program is for designated/specialized service agencies (mental health), not dentists. Delta Dental items on VDH page are private.

Virginia

ClosedOlder source: recheck

Virginia State Loan Repayment Program (VA-SLRP)

Virginia Department of Health, Office of Health Equity (Health Workforce Incentive Programs)

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: 'The maximum award for a four (4) year commitment is $140,000'; initial 2 years up to $100,000 ($50,000 VDH + $50,000 Community/State funds); 3rd and 4th year renewals up to $40,000 each ($20,000 + $20,000).
Commitment: Minimum two (2) years initial; renewals one year each (up to 4 years). Full-time = 40 hrs/wk for min 45 weeks/yr (min 32 hrs direct patient care); half-time = 20-39 hrs/wk for min 45 weeks.
Where you can work: Public, non-profit private entity, or for-profit entities operated by a non-profit, located in a federally designated HPSA; must accept Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, use sliding fee scale, see all patients regardless of ability to pay. Dollar-for-dollar match (guidelines say cash match letter required for State funds request; 'Employers matching funds are no longer required').
Applying: Program page: 'SLRP applications received between January and March 2025 will be submitted before the next VA-SLRP application cycle opens. Information regarding the timeline for the upcoming VA-SLRP application cycle will be shared on this page as it becomes available.'
Specialists: Guidelines list 'Dentists' and 'Registered Dental Hygienists' under Dental Professionals; no mention of dental specialties. Applicants must be 'board eligible or board certified in an eligible specialty'.

Official sources: vdh.virginia.gov (Last Updated: September 8, 2026), vdh.virginia.gov (Update 1/2/2024 (2022-2025 guidelines)). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Status unclear

Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation Loan Repayment Program

Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation (described on a VDH Office of Health Equity page)

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: '$20,000 available for qualifying dentists and $10,000 available for qualifying dental hygienists' (Foundation awards approximately $250,000 per year)
Commitment: 12 months of service with a safety-net clinic
Where you can work: safety-net clinic

Official source: vdh.virginia.gov (Last Updated: November 18, 2025). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Virginia Physician Loan Repayment Program: VDH says 'state funding is not available' (physicians only anyway). A statutory Virginia Dentist Loan Repayment Program exists in Code of Virginia 32.1-122.9:1 (seen only in search results), but it is not listed on VDH's Health Workforce Incentive Programs page (Last Updated Sept 10, 2026), which lists only SLRP, Behavioral Health LRP, and Earn to Learn (nursing); treated as not currently offered. Earn to Learn is nursing-only.

Washington

Closed

Washington Health Corps - Federal Health Program (FHP) (state's HRSA-supported SLRP)

Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), with Dept. of Health

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: The maximum FHP award amount is $70,000, not to exceed the participant's loan debt
Commitment: Full-time employment as a primary care health professional at a preapproved site for a minimum of two years (FHP handout: 40-hour work week)
Where you can work: Preapproved site providing Comprehensive Primary Care; FHP adds: public entity, nonprofit private entity, or for-profit facility operated by a nonprofit; sliding fee schedule; located in a federally designated HPSA (score > 0)
Applying: Provider application opened January 5 and closed March 6, 2026 (FAQ: 'When is the deadline to apply? March 6, 2026'); contracts begin July 1
Taxes: FAQ: 'You will need to refer to IRS Publication 970 ... We do not report the funds to the IRS.' No explicit exemption statement.
Specialists: FHP eligible dentist specialties: 'General Dentistry' and 'Pediatric Dentistry'. Guide: 'an orthodontic practice would not meet the definition of comprehensive primary dental care, as it is not an approved specialty.'

Official sources: wsac.wa.gov (undated), wsac.wa.gov (Updated: 1/7/2026), wsac.wa.gov (undated (references March 6, 2026 deadli). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Closed

Washington Health Corps - State Health Program (SHP)

Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), with Dept. of Health

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: The maximum SHP and BHP award amount is $75,000, not to exceed the participant's loan debt
Commitment: Full-time employment at a preapproved site for a minimum of three years, or less than full-time for a prorated equivalent term of up to five years (minimum 24 hours/week)
Where you can work: Preapproved site providing Comprehensive Primary Care (e.g., FQHC, RHC, IHS/tribal, private practice); HPSA NOT required for SHP; private practices must meet a minimum threshold of 40% Medicare, Medicaid, uninsured, charity, and sliding fee schedule patients
Applying: Provider application opened January 5 and closed March 6, 2026
Taxes: FAQ: refer to IRS Publication 970; 'We do not report the funds to the IRS.'
Specialists: SHP eligible dentist specialties: 'General Dentistry' and 'Pediatric Dentistry'; orthodontic practice explicitly not an approved specialty.

Official sources: wsac.wa.gov (undated), wsac.wa.gov (Updated: 1/7/2026), wsac.wa.gov (undated (references March 6, 2026 deadli). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

No separate WA dental-only LRP found on WSAC site. The 2023 'Program Comparison & Eligible Professions' PDF lists DDS/DMD/RDH but its checkmarks did not extract; reference guide (1/7/2026) confirms dentists/RDH eligible for SHP and FHP. Handout PDF (2026) text partly garbled.

West Virginia

Closed

West Virginia State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)

WV State Office of Rural Health (Division of Rural Health and Recruitment)

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: Initial two-year obligation: MD, DO, DDS up to $40,000; one-year extension: MD, DO, DDS up to $20,000 (max two one-year extensions).
Commitment: Minimum two years, 40 hours per week; may re-apply for up to two one-year extensions.
Where you can work: Located within a HPSA; non-profit facility ('comprehensive care center, dental facility, or pharmacy that is operated by a tax-exempt, nonprofit health provider organization with a community board'); accept patients regardless of insurance/ability to pay; sliding fee scale; accept WV Medicaid; open at least 40 hrs/week.
Applying: 'APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED 3/1/2026 THROUGH 4/30/2026.' (2026 application, Revised February 2026)
Taxes: Guidelines quote ACA Subtitle H Sec. 10908: 'Excludes from gross income any payments under the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program and any other state loan repayment or forgiveness programs...'
Specialists: Guidelines limit to 'general practice dentists' (Dentist defined as 'A general practice dentist who is licensed by the West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners').

Official sources: dhhr.wv.gov (undated), dhhr.wv.gov (undated), dhhr.wv.gov (undated), dhhr.wv.gov (undated), dhhr.wv.gov (Revised 02/10/2025), dhhr.wv.gov (Revised February 2026). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Closed

Recruitment and Retention Community Project (RRCP)

WV State Office of Rural Health (Division of Rural Health and Recruitment)

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: 'One-year obligation awards are provided up to $20,000. Candidates can receive a maximum of $10,000 from state funds and a maximum of $10,000 from their employer.'
Commitment: Minimum one year, 40 hours per week; may re-apply for one-year extensions (max four extensions).
Where you can work: HPSA or Medically Underserved Area (rural WV); requires 50 percent cash match from employer/community (match cannot be State or Federal funds).
Applying: 'APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED 3/1/2026 THROUGH 4/30/2026.' (2026 RRCP application, Revised February 2026)
Specialists: Guidelines define Dentist as 'A general practice dentist who is licensed by the West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners'.

Official sources: dhhr.wv.gov (undated), dhhr.wv.gov (undated), dhhr.wv.gov (revised March 2025), dhhr.wv.gov (Revised February 2026). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Closed

Health Sciences Loan Repayment Program (Health Sciences Service Program, HSSP)

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, Division of Health Sciences (via CFWV.com)

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: '$30,000 for medical and dental students.'
Commitment: Two years full-time or four years half-time (service obligations page defines full time as at least 37.5 hrs/wk in one place and 40 in another; part time at least 20 hrs/wk); dentists must begin within six months of graduation.
Where you can work: Within West Virginia in a HRSA HPSA (facility, geographic or population HPSA); FQHCs, correctional facilities, free clinics, rural health clinics should be eligible.
Applying: 'The Health Sciences Loan Repayment Program application opens annually October 1. Complete the application by the March 1 deadline.'

Official sources: cfwv.com (undated (footer 2026)), cfwv.com (undated), cfwv.com (undated (references awards made Jan 1, 2). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Dental hygienists are not eligible for WV SLRP/RRCP (not in eligible provider lists). HEPC also has a Mental Health Provider LRP and Medical Student Loan Program (not dental).

Wisconsin

Closed

Health Professions Loan Assistance Program (HPLAP)

Wisconsin Office of Rural Health

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: Dentists: $50,000; Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists: $25,000
Commitment: Three years, full time (brochure: 40 hours/week incl. at least 32 clinic hours, at least 45 weeks/year)
Where you can work: Outpatient setting in a federally designated HPSA (brochure also lists FQHCs/CHCs and American Indian reservations/trust lands); brochure adds Medicaid/BadgerCare minimum patient/claims thresholds for dentists.
Applying: 'The Loan Assistance Program application period is now closed, and will re-open in Spring 2027.' Expected application period Spring-Summer 2027; results December 2027.
Taxes: 'Awards are federal and state income tax exempt.'
Specialists: Max-award table lists 'Dentists (General, Pediatric)' and 'Dental Hygienists (General, Pediatric), Dental Therapists'.

Closed

Rural Provider Loan Assistance Program (RPLAP)

Wisconsin Office of Rural Health

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: Up to $50,000
Commitment: 3 years (per 2021 dental brochure)
Where you can work: Outpatient setting in a rural community (city/town/village under 20,000 population and at least 15 miles from a place of 20,000+, and not an urbanized area); HPSA not required.
Applying: Applications open in Spring 2027
Taxes: Brochure: 'Awards are not taxable at either the federal or state level'

WI DHS clinicians page (Last revised December 10, 2024) says the Health Professions Loan Assistance Program is administered by the Wisconsin Office of Rural Health.

Wyoming

Open now

Wyoming State Loan Repayment Program (WY-SLRP)

Wyoming Department of Health, Rural and Frontier Health Unit (Office of Rural Health / Primary Care Office)

Dentists: Eligible · hygienists eligible too
What it pays: 'Selected applicants will receive an educational loan repayment award of up to $34,339.00, not to exceed their outstanding qualified educational loan debt'
Commitment: Two years of full-time service (minimum 40 hours/week, 45 weeks/service year)
Where you can work: Must practice at a site on the 2026 WY-SLRP Approved Practice Sites List (sites not listed ineligible); program targets federally designated HPSAs
Applying: Accepting applications through November 16, 2026
Specialists: 'Dentists (DDS/DMD): general and pediatric'.

Official sources: health.wyo.gov (undated), health.wyo.gov (2026 Program Guidance and Application). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

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Wyoming Healthcare Professional Loan Repayment Program (WHPLRP)

Wyoming Department of Health

Dentists: Eligible
What it pays: Up to $30,000 per year for physicians and dentists, not to exceed 100% of outstanding educational loans (statutory, per 2020 report)
Commitment: Minimum of three (3) years
Where you can work: Practice in an eligible community and accept Medicare, Medicaid, and/or KidCare

Official source: health.wyo.gov (May 18, 2020 (filename)). Checked Sep 26, 2026.

Federal programs, in every state

NHSC Loan Repayment Program: up to $50,000 for two years of full-time work at an approved site in a shortage area, 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. The FY2027 cycle opened Oct. 1, 2026.
Military scholarships and loan repayment: HPSP pays tuition during school; the services also repay loans for dentists who join.

Many programs can combine with PSLF when the site is a nonprofit or government employer. Program terms change every cycle: confirm every figure on the official page before you apply.