I’ve had the same dentist since the mid-1980s. He was just beginning his practice when I became his patient, and over the decades, he’s provided consistent, trusted care—even after I moved out of the neighborhood and had to make a longer drive for my appointments. That relationship, built over time, speaks to the value of continuity in dental care.

But I know this level of access and consistency is not available to everyone. As my own dentist approaches retirement, I’ve started thinking more about the growing challenge many Hoosiers face in finding any dentist at all—especially those living in rural areas or covered by Medicaid.

This is a crisis affecting thousands across Indiana. Lack of access to dental care doesn’t just mean cavities or toothaches—it’s a serious public health issue. Research increasingly shows that poor oral health can lead to major medical complications, including heart disease, diabetes, and infections.

In response to this urgent need, Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana is stepping in with a bold new initiative: a student loan repayment program for dentists who commit to serving underserved communities in Indiana.

Nearly 1 million Hoosiers live in areas with limited access to dental providers. To help reverse this trend, Delta Dental is offering up to $200,000 in student loan repayment for private practice dentists who, upon completing their education, agree to work in these shortage areas and ensure that at least 15% of their patients are on Medicaid.

“The cost of dental and hygiene school continues to rise, and for too many it’s becoming cost prohibitive to enter the profession at a time where there is a growing need for dental care access,” said Jeff Johnston, DDS, chief science officer for Delta Dental. “We want to be part of the solution and help support students struggling to afford an education. We believe our loan repayment program will allow more young people to enter this profession and serve communities desperately in need of their talents and expertise.”

Indiana currently has 123 federally designated dental professional shortage areas, most of them in rural regions. These communities often rely on nonprofit clinics for care—which is why the Delta Dental Foundation is also offering up to $15,000 in loan repayment for dental hygienists and up to $75,000 for dentists who work at nonprofit clinics.

Applications for the program are now open and must be submitted by June 1. To learn more and apply, visit: https://deltadental.pub/loanrepayment