The application period is open until May 15, 2024

Dentists who currently practice in or relocate to Maine, New Hampshire, or Vermont have an even greater incentive to live and practice in Northern New England: Up to $150,000, or $50,000 a year for three years in loan reimbursements is available for eligible dentists. These reimbursements are considered taxable income. Please work with an accountant or tax professional to determine individual impact.

Life in Northern New England offers great benefits including natural resources, true four-season living, and easy access to mountains, lakes, and the ocean. Major urban areas in New England, New York, and Canada are easily accessible as well.

Program Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Program, dentists, whether in a for-profit or not-for-profit clinic, may be a U.S. or Non-U.S. Citizens but must:

1. Have been educated in a U.S. or Foreign Dental Schools. Have verifiable education debt from a U.S. Education Lending Program.
2. Not have a Concurrent Service Obligation.
3. Be licensed or actively seeking licensure to practice and working as a clinician in ME, NH, or VT.
4. Work a minimum of 20 hours/week in a dental practice in northern New England. This dental practice can be for profit or not for profit.
5. Be enrolled as a Medicaid provider and actively participating in the Medicaid program in the applicable state.
6. Agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the Program, as they exist on the date hereof and as they may be changed from time to time.
7. Have not been sanctioned, disciplined, reprimanded, suspended by, or expelled from participation in Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP, or other federal or state health care programs or otherwise sanctioned by the Office of the Inspector General in the past five (5) years.

Link to Application

Frequently Asked Questions

Northern New England Loan Repayment Program 

1. Why was this program developed? The Northern New England states of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont have dental practitioner workforce challenges, primarily in underserved, rural communities.
2. Who is funding this program and why? Northeast Delta Dental is the program’s funder. Northeast Delta Dental understands that to ensure all residents have access to oral health investments in the workforce are needed. Northeast Delta Dental believes that dental practitioners who live and work in the communities they serve will increase the likelihood of long-term success for good oral health.

Participation Requirements

1. Is the program open to non-United States citizens? Yes.
2. Are degrees from foreign medical schools allowed? Yes.
3. If I have another service obligation can I still participate in the program? No. You can only participate in one program at a time.
4. Will my existing debt be verified? Yes. Education debt from a United States education lending program will be verified.
5. Am I required to live in the state for which I am applying ( Maine, New Hampshire, or Vermont)? No. It is not required, but it is preferable to reside in the state to which you are applying.
6. What dental specialties are allowed to apply for the program? The program will mostly target general dentists, but there are needs in all three states for oral surgeons, orthodontists, prosthodontists, and those that have patient panels serving patients with special needs or disabilities.
7. Can I work part-time and still participate in the program? Yes. A minimum of 20 hours per week is required.
8. Am I required to actively participate with Medicaid and have Medicaid patients on my panel? Yes. You will be required to be enrolled in the specific State’s Medicaid program and actively participate as a Medicaid provider. Each State’s Medicaid program services children and adults.
9. Do I need to be enrolled in the Northeast Delta Dental provider network? No. However, participation is preferred.
10. Does the practice I choose to work for need to be in an underserved geographic area or an area with demonstrated workforce shortages? Yes. This is regardless of the practice being located in a rural or urban zip code.
11. Does the practice I choose to work for need to be a non-profit entity? No. You may work for a practice that is either non-profit or for-profit.
12. Can I participate in the program and later receive loan forgiveness? Yes. This is a loan repayment program and not a loan forgiveness program. You will need to review your specific situation with any potential loan forgiveness programs.

Program Application

1. How do I apply? The application and submission material requirements will be posted on this page on September 18, 2023.
2. Does the program have specific application cycles or are applications submitted on a rolling basis? There will be two application cycles each year: Winter/Spring and Fall.
3. How are application decisions made? There is a program Steering Committee comprised of members from Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont that review applications and make determinations.
4. If I am a citizen of the United Kingdom or the European Union, can I still apply? If you are a non-US citizen, please contact us before application submission to ensure electronic data submission compliance.

Other

1. Will the funds I receive be considered taxable income? Yes. Please contact an accounting or tax professional to determine the specific impact this could have on your finances.
2. This sounds like a great program, but what if I have more questions? If you do not find what you need on our website https://bistatepca.org/nned-loan-repayment/ or you can email us at [email protected] or call us at (603) 228-2830 ext. 143.