The American Dental Hygienists’ Association is concerned that the Education Department’s proposed loan changes will create additional financial barriers for students.
Seven notes:
1. Earlier this month, the Education Department’s Reimagining and Improving Student Education Committee drafted student loan regulations in response to provisions of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act passed in July.
2. In addition to eliminating the Grad PLUS program, the proposals would introduce a new repayment assistance plan and introduce caps on Parent PLUS loans.
3. Under the proposed changes, student loans would be capped at $20,500 each year for graduate students, and $50,000 each year for professional students.
4. The department is also seeking to change what qualifies as a professional program, limiting these to pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, chiropractic, law, medicine, optometry, osteopathic medicine, podiatry and theology.
5. Several healthcare organizations have taken issue with the proposed definition of professional programs due to the effect it can have on students seeking healthcare degrees outside of those listed.
6. The ADHA urged the department to revise its proposed definition Nov. 21, stating the changes could increase the financial burden on students amid ongoing hygiene shortages in the U.S.
7. Final rules are expected to be issued in 2026. If implemented, these changes would go into effect in July.
