Rep. Patterson: New program offers scholarships, loan repayment for dental professionals

STATEHOUSE (June 6, 2025) – State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville) is highlighting a new initiative from Delta Dental of Indiana and the Delta Dental Foundation aimed at strengthening the dental workforce and improving access to care across the state.

To help address Indiana's shortage of dental professionals, especially in underserved areas, Delta Dental has launched a new initiative, offering scholarships and loan repayment programs for dentists and dental hygienists who commit to serving in nonprofit clinics or high-need communities.

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

The initiative includes:

• Delta Dental Dentist Loan Repayment Program: A loan repayment program to support private practice dentists in underserved communities. Dentists can apply for up to $40,000 in loan repayment each year for up to five years ($200,000 in total).  At least 15% of the dentist’s patients must be covered by Medicaid each year.

• Public Health Dentist Loan Repayment Program: A loan repayment program for dentists (up to $25,000 per year, up to three years) who commit to working in nonprofit clinics.
• Public Health Hygienist Loan Repayment Program: A loan repayment program for dental hygienists (up to $5,000 per year, up to three years) who commit to working in nonprofit clinics.
• Hygiene Scholarships and Equipment Funds: A scholarship program for dental hygiene students to cover the cost of instrument kits (up to $5,000, for students entering dental hygiene school) and tuition (up to $10,000 per year, up to two years).

Patterson is encouraging constituents to share this information with family and friends to help strengthen the state’s dental workforce and increase access to care.

For more information, click here.

-30-

State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville) represents House District 55, which includes 
all of Fayette, Franklin and Union counties, and portions of Decatur, Ripley and Rush counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.