In order to attract new dentists to practice in rural areas, the ADA is supporting bills to address student loan debt for dentists and dental hygienists, according to a May 22 news release.
Here are three pieces of legislation supported by the ADA to address the issue:
- The Indian Health Service Health Professionals Tax Fairness Act: Would make scholarships and payment made through the Indian Health Service loan repayment plan tax-exempt.
- The Restoring America’s Health Care Workforce and Readiness Act: Funding for the National Health Service Corps’ scholarships and loan repayment programs would be doubled for dentists and dental hygienists working in federally designated shortage areas.
- The Resident Education Deferred Interest Act: Borrowers would qualify for interest-free deferment on student loans while completing a dental internship or residency program.
