News from the Capitol

The Legislative Insider is published during the Legislative Session by the Georgia Dental Association. It contains updates on the activities of GDA's Government Affairs team as well as information about bills relevant to dentists and patient care.

A Guide to the Georgia Dentist Education Loan Repayment Program (GDELRP)

Oct 11, 2024
Members of GDA and GBHCW staff offer important information about a new program helping new dentists looking to work in rural places pay off student debt.

The application deadlines for Georgia’s dental student loan repayment programs are right around the corner. GDA staff have been working closely with the Board of Health Care Workforce (GBHCW) and the Dental College of Georgia to help students access funds in exchange for working in rural areas. The resources below will help students prepare for the application process. 

Accessing GDELRP 

Chet Bhasin and Jon Hoin discuss successfully applying for GDELRP funds 

 

What is the Georgia Dentist Education Loan Repayment Program (GDELRP)? 

The Georgia Dentist Education Loan Repayment Program (GDELRP) helps dental students and practicing dentists reduce their student debt by providing loan repayment assistance in exchange for working in rural areas of Georgia. 

  • Who is eligible? 
    4th-year dental students and dentists already practicing in rural areas (defined as areas with populations < 50,000) can apply. 

  • How much can you receive? 
    Up to $150,000 in service-cancelable loans over a 4-year period. 

What are the program requirements? 

To qualify, dentists must commit to working full-time in a rural area and treat Medicaid patients. Specifically, applicants must: 

  • Provide full-time patient care in a rural area (populations under 50,000). 

  • Treat Medicaid patients. 

  • Commit to working at least 40 clinical hours per week. 

How to apply 

To apply for the GDELRP, you'll need to submit the following: 

  1. Disclosure of all outstanding dental education loan debt. 

  1. Executed copy of your employment contract. 

  1. If you are self-employed in private practice, submit any other agreements/contracts you have in place. 

  1. Contractual agreement to practice full-time (minimum of 40 clinical hours per week). 

  1. A notarized Affidavit of Lawful Presence in the U.S. 

  1. Ensure you have fulfilled any prior obligations with any federal, state, or other entities for health professional service before beginning service under this program. 

For more details, review the full application requirements.

GDELRP FY25 Application

What’s the deadline to apply? 

The deadline to apply has been extended to November 10, 2024.  

How can I find jobs in rural areas? 

The GDA offers resources to help connect you with opportunities in rural areas. Check out the GDA Job Board or fill out the online form to connect with GDA leadership in the location you're interested in. 

How do I apply for GDELRP? 

You can apply directly through the Board of Health Care Workforce’s website. 

I have more questions! 

For more information, contact the following: 

Georgia Dental Association (GDA) 

  • Mary B. | Membership Team 
    Email: maryb@gadental.org 
    Phone: (404) 636-7553 

  • Kaitlyn M. | Membership Team 
    Email: kaitlyn@gadental.org 
    Phone: (404) 636-7553 

Board of Health Care Workforce (BHCW) 

  • Lauren Brenneman 
    Email: lauren.brenneman1@dch.ga.gov 
    Phone: (404) 463-1057