Minnesota Dentist Loan Forgiveness Program

About this program

The Minnesota Department of Health’s Office of Rural Health and Primary Care offers the Dentist Loan Forgiveness Program to recruit and retain dentists serving underserved Minnesota communities. Selected participants may receive $41,000 annually, up to $164,000 over four years or the balance of eligible educational loans, subject to available state funding; the application cycle runs November 1, 2026, through January 6, 2027. Eligible applicants include dental students, residents, and licensed dentists who will be fully licensed by March 31 following selection and commit to practicing in Minnesota at least 30 hours per week for 45 weeks annually. Participants must serve at least 25% of annual patient encounters to state public-program enrollees or patients receiving formal sliding-fee discounts for a minimum of three years, and must use funds for qualified educational loans.