In Virginia, 103 of the state's 133 localities are designated as Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA). HPSA designations are used to identify areas and population groups within the United States that are experiencing a shortage of health professionals. One way we are addressing Virginia’s oral health care workforce shortages is with a student loan repayment program. This program is designed to help Virginia dentists and dental hygienists pay off student loans in exchange for 12 months of service with a safety-net clinic. The Foundation awards approximately $250,000 per year through the loan repayment program with $20,000 available for qualifying dentists and $10,000 available for qualifying dental hygienists.

Who is eligible?

• A licensed dentist or dental hygienist in good standing
• Working full-time (32 hours per week minimum)
• Have a valid and unrestricted license to practice in Virginia
• Agree to serve at least one year in a free or hybrid clinic, or a federally qualified health center in a HPSA

Loan repayment applications will open on September 15 and close on October 15 2025. Decisions will be made in December, recipients will be notified and their year of service will begin 1/1/2026 and close on 12/31/2026. Loan repayment will be made in two installments over the year of service. Recipients can reapply for additional years.