About the Program
The Maine Dental Education Loan Repayment Program provides loan repayment assistance to dentists practicing in underserved areas in Maine.
Eligibility
Dentists must:
- Be licensed or eligible for licensure to practice as a dentist in Maine.
- Have qualifying outstanding education loans.
- Be able to document employment at a qualifying dental care facility.
- A qualifying dental care facility is any health care facility that offers primary dental care as either its primary service or as part of a broader medical practice and
(a) accepts payment through MaineCare or a successor program; and
(b) at which at least 25% of the patient load has been accepted for treatment regardless of ability to pay through insurance or other payment source.
A dental care facility must provide patients notice that it accepts payment through MaineCare or a successor program.
- A qualifying dental care facility is any health care facility that offers primary dental care as either its primary service or as part of a broader medical practice and
- Not be under an agreement for loan repayment from a program funded by the National Health Service Corps.
Both undergraduate education loans and graduate dental education loans may qualify for repayment.
Loan Repayment Amounts
Up to $20,000 annually, $80,000 total for those renewing an agreement first signed loan before January 1, 2020.
Up to $25,000 annually, $100,000 total for agreements first signed after January 1, 2020.
Funds are paid directly to the holder or servicer of your student loans. Recipients must continue to make regular student loan payments.
Renewals
The initial contract term is for two years, with the ability to renew for an additional two years.
How to Apply
Applications are available online in February of each year. Applications for the 2023-2024 year are no longer being accepted.
- Carefully complete the application
- Have your employer complete the Employment Verification form (page 2 of the application)
- Provide documentation of education loans attributable to dental degree– including servicer name, address, and current outstanding balance
Submit the completed application and required documents by May 31, 2023 to:
FAME
PO Box 949
Augusta, ME 04332-0949
How Dentists Are Selected
Applications are reviewed with FAME’s selection committee. If you are selected as a finalist, you may be requested to participate in an interview.
Additional Questions?
If you have additional questions, please contact our education program specialists Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
207-623-3263 | Toll-free: 800-228-3734 | TTY: 207-626-2717
