Delta Dental of Indiana launches incentive program to address dentist shortage in underserved areas

This article was originally published here.

In an effort to tackle the persistent shortage of dental professionals within Indiana, particularly in underprivileged areas, Delta Dental of Indiana, together with the Delta Dental Foundation, is rolling out a fresh initiative offering fiscal incentives to dentists and dental hygienists.

These inducements are in the form of scholarships and loan repayment programs aimed at those who pledge their services to nonprofit clinics or locales deeply in need of oral health care providers.

State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville) brought the initiative to light, emphasizing the potential benefits for those dental practitioners willing to set down roots in communities where the gap in dental care is gaping.

"This program offers a great opportunity for dental professionals to reduce their financial burden when giving back to communities in need," Patterson expressed in a statement.

The plan includes not only the loan repayment programs but also scholarships specifically geared towards dental hygiene students.

The details of the initiative, as outlined on Indiana House Republicans' website, reveal that eligible dentists could apply for up to $40,000 in loan repayment each year for a maximum of five years, which totals up to $200,000.

To qualify, at least 15% of a participating dentist's patients must be covered by Medicaid annually.

In addition to these loan repayment schemes, up-and-coming dental hygienists can also look forward to scholarships meant to ease the burden of educational expenses, including instrument kits and tuition fees.

Rep. Patterson is advocating for widespread dissemination of this information, calling on constituents to spread the word amongst family and friends. The overarching goal remains a bolstered dental workforce in Indiana, which in turn, should lead to expanded accessibility to quality dental care. "I am looking forward to seeing current and future dentists and hygienists take advantage of this effort and help expand access to quality dental care across Indiana," a Patterson stated, framing this initiative as a gateway to improved statewide dental health outcomes.