A new loan forgiveness program in Kentucky is aimed at promoting oral health, as well as to recruit new dentists to the state, according to a University of Kentucky News report.
Here are six things to know about the program, according to the report:
1. The program is supported by $500,000 in state funds and is available for dental students practicing in the region.
2. The University of Kentucky and University of Louisville dental schools will administer the program, providing two to five awardees $100,000 each for a two-year commitment.
3. Dentists completing dental school leave with debt around $280,000, according to ADA statistics, something the loan forgiveness program hopes to combat by offering incentives to attract more providers to eastern Kentucky.
4. The Kentucky Department of Public Health is funding the program, with the universities offering recipients a $50,000 "up front" payment and $50,000 after two years.
5. Priority will be given to dental students from eastern Kentucky wishing to return to practice in the designated geographic area.
6. Eligible candidates include someone who is establishing or joining a new private practice, or purchasing an existing practice in an Appalachian Regional Commission distressed county.
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