OHIO DENTIST LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM HELPS REDUCE FINANCIAL PRESSURE FOR DENTISTS WORKING IN UNDERSERVED AREAS
The Ohio Dentist Loan Repayment Program recently signed contracts with eight new dentists who are serving in safety net dental clinics across Ohio.
“Receiving loan repayment through the ODLRP has been incredibly inspiring and affirming,” said Dr. Ngan Le, a general dentist at AxessPointe Community Health Centers in Akron. “It reinforces that I made the right choice in pursuing community health and gives me greater confidence in continuing this path long-term. With reduced financial pressure, I am able to focus more fully on patient care and remain committed to serving underserved populations.”
Through the program, dentists sign two-year contracts for $50,000 of loan repayment ($25,000 per year) for working in a designated shortage area and agreeing to provide dental services for patients without regard to the patient’s ability to pay. They can contract for optional third and fourth years and receive up to $35,000 in loan repayment for each of those years.
“It is so worthwhile to serve a community that is needed,” said Dr. Samantha Lindsey, a general dentist at Community Health Services in Napoleon. “Continuing loan repayment can help those of us with a passion to serve. There is always a shortage of care in these areas of our state and it’s important to attract providers to work in the area. Becoming a dentist is expensive. There are no ways to avoid the high cost we face. Receiving loan repayment provides some help to not have to worry as much about high payments.”
In 2025, a total of 23 dentists served in dental health resource shortage areas through the Ohio Dentist Loan Repayment Program.
“The opportunity for loan repayment through the Ohio Dentist Loan Repayment Program was an important factor in my decision, as it helped make a career in community health more financially sustainable,” Le said. “In addition, I was drawn to my current practice location because it offers income stability and is close to my extended family. Being near family has allowed me to stay connected and supported, which is very important to me both personally and professionally.”
The ODLRP, which is administered by the Ohio Department of Health, is funded by Ohio dentists, who pay a $40 surcharge that goes directly toward the ODLRP when they renew their licenses every two years.
“Growing up I saw that the access to dental care was very challenging,” Lindsey said. “My parents had to choose to get dental care themselves or pay for my care. I wanted to be part of the solution to the access to care issue so others didn’t face this tough challenge. I chose to work in a community healthy setting because I have a passion for helping those who may not know exactly how to care for their oral health. Loan repayment is a bonus, but ultimately my passion for providing for others far outweighs any other benefit.”
Le also said the mission of serving in a safety net dental clinic is very personal to her.
“I chose to work in a safety net dental clinic because this mission is very personal to me,” she said. “When my family first arrived in the United States, we faced many of the same barriers to accessing dental care that I now see in my patients, including financial challenges and limited access to providers. That experience shaped my desire to give back to communities facing similar struggles. Working in this setting allows me to connect with patients on a deeper level and provide care to those who truly need it most.”
A total of $207,500 in ODLRP funds was awarded in 2025. These dollars were leveraged by utilizing $578,076 from the federal Bureau of Health Workforce State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP).
Since the program began in 2005, $1,863,078 state ODLRP dollars and $2,440,576 federal SLRP dollars have been awarded to dentists through the program.
From Jan. 1, 2025 to Dec. 31, 2025, a total of 24,718 dental visits were provided to 15,483 patients by ODLRP dentists.
“Through my work, I have been able to provide care to a larger patient population, many of whom have gone without treatment for extended periods of time,” Le said. “By restoring function, eliminating pain, and addressing urgent dental needs, I help patients return to their daily lives with improved comfort and confidence. It is very rewarding to see patients regain the ability to eat, work and live without dental pain.”
Since the program began, ODLRP dentists have seen 233,132 vulnerable patients (uninsured or on Medicaid), 288,360 total patients and provided 401,014 total visits.
“Many of the patients in my community have no other access to care,” Lindsey said. “Specialists are not easily available. I have learned to expand my skills, push my abilities while also maintaining a great standard of care that I am proud of. My patients are always thankful and appreciative. So many people in the community spread the word about our clinic and encourage friends and family to come see us!”
More than 40 dentists have completed service obligations through the ODLRP, and many dentists continue to practice in underserved areas after completing their contract with the ODLRP.
“The ODLRP not only supports individual providers but also strengthens safety net clinics by helping recruit and retain dentists in underserved areas,” Le said. “This ultimately expands access to care for patients who need it most. I am grateful to be part of a program that supports both providers and the communities we serve, and I hope to see continued investment in initiatives like this.”
The ODLRP application period is expected to open later this year. Stay tuned to the “ODA Today” and your email for more information.
