Loan forgiveness program to assist dental students from Eastern Kentucky or those willing to practice there

Supported by $500,000 in state funds

MCKEE, Ky. (July 20, 2015) — Gov. Steve Beshear and Rep. Hal Rogers joined public health and university officials today to announce a dentist recruitment program aimed at promoting sustained oral health and well-being in Eastern Kentucky.

The new loan forgiveness program is supported by $500,000 in state funds and is available for dental students who practice in the region. The dental schools at the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville will administer the program, providing two to five awardees $100,000 each for a two-year commitment.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), dentists completing dental school now come out with a debt of around $280,000.

DPH is funding the program and the universities will offer awardees a $50,000 “up front” payment and $50,000 at the end of the first two-year award cycle.

Eastern Kentucky counties as defined by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) will be the designated location for the program. Additionally, priority will be given to dental students from Eastern Kentucky wishing to return to practice in the designated geographic area.

Eligible candidates include someone who is establishing or joining a new private practice, or purchasing an existing practice in an ARC distressed county. The original intent of the program is to recruit current graduates. Recent graduates are also eligible.

According to the Kentucky Department for Public Health, Kentucky ranks 41st in annual dental visits; 45th in the percentage of children with untreated dental decay; and 47th in the percentage of adults 65 and older missing six or more teeth.