Final Opportunity for 2016 Dedicated to Minnesota Dentists Dental Education Loan Repayment for Service Program Applicants

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 13, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply for the 2016 Dedicated to Minnesota Dentists (DMD) Dental Education Loan Repayment for Service Program for up to $200,000 in loan repayment. Screening admissions are due Monday, February 15, 2016. For eligibility, funding and selection criteria, as well as to apply, visit www.DedicatedMNDentists.org.

DMD's purpose is to increase access to dental care for underserved patients, including patients enrolled in public programs. The program attracts qualified dentists to practice general dentistry in areas of greater Minnesota where there is a shortage of providers.

To advance this purpose, the location of the applicant's dental practice must be in a town or city with a population of less than 10,000 and in a federally-designated, greater Minnesota (rural) Dental Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) at the time of being awarded by the DMD Program. HPSAs are geographic areas, population groups or health care facilities that have been designated by the federal government as having a shortage of health professionals.

DMD recipients are encouraged to provide care for people who may otherwise go without services, including people enrolled in public programs such as Medicaid. Successful award recipients have agreed to see at least 15% public program enrolled patients. Qualifying dentists are eligible for up to $200,000 of dental education loan repayment for commitment to practice general dentistry full-time, at least four days a week, for five years in a designated Dental HPSA in rural or greater Minnesota.

"Oral health is a critical aspect to overall health and wellbeing," said Rodney Young, Chief Executive Officer and President, Delta Dental of Minnesota and Chair, Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation Board.  "There is strong evidence that indicates communities are healthier and more prosperous with access to good oral health and quality dental care. We are proud to partner with the Minnesota Dental Foundation to improve access to oral care through the placement of dentists in Minnesota's underserved communities."

Funding and administration of the DMD Program is provided by Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation in collaboration with the Minnesota Dental Foundation's recruitment and promotion efforts to identify the future dentist in greater Minnesota.

"This program, a collaborative effort of the Minnesota Dental Foundation and Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation, is probably the best and most generous of any program in the nation in order to attract dentists to practice in Health Professional Shortage Areas of Minnesota," said Dr. Stephen Litton, President Minnesota Dental Foundation.

The 2016 call for applicants marks the DMD Program's second round of applicants. 2015's Inaugural DMD Program recipients included four dentists serving the Minnesota Health Professional Shortage Areas of Ely, Benson, Mora and Warroad.

For more information on DMD Program eligibility, funding and selection criteria, as well as to apply by February 15, 2016, please visit www.DedicatedMNDentists.org.

Minnesota Dental Foundation:
The Minnesota Dental Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public foundation whose vision is to eliminate unmet oral health needs in Minnesota by initiating and supporting outreach programs that provide dental services to underserved populations and communities; encouraging and supporting volunteerism within the profession; and promoting careers in dentistry, especially in underserved areas.

Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation:
Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation is designed to support Delta Dental of Minnesota's mission of improving the oral health of the people in Minnesota and advancing the science and art of oral health in Minnesota. The Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation supports initiatives that promote access to oral health and, in turn, improve the overall health and vitality of our community.

SOURCE Delta Dental of Minnesota