The Dentist Loan Repayment For Service Program from the Delta Dental of South Dakota Foundation provides student-loan repayment assistance to eligible dentists who commit to serving Medicaid-insured and underserved patients in South Dakota.
Funding and service options
- Option 1: $15,000 per year, up to $75,000 over five years, for dentists who maintain at least a 15% Medicaid patient share and accept one Donated Dental Services case per award year or an approved alternative.
- Option 2: $25,000 per year, up to $125,000 over five years, for dentists who maintain at least a 30% Medicaid patient share and accept two Donated Dental Services cases per award year or an approved alternative.
- Bonus: Recipients with at least 1,000 Medicaid patient visits in a year may receive an additional $5,000 toward their loan for that year and are exempt from the Donated Dental Services case requirement.
Eligibility
Applicants must be fully trained and licensed in South Dakota, or in the process of becoming licensed; have qualifying original student-loan balances; work at least 32 hours per week; participate in South Dakota Medicaid; agree to Delta Dental of South Dakota credentialing; be a U.S. citizen and South Dakota resident; and meet the service agreement. Employee dentists need employer approval. Dentists with another current scholarship, loan-forgiveness, or tuition-reimbursement service obligation are not eligible until that obligation is completed.
Deadline and application
Applications are due November 1, 2026. The official program page does not publish an exact closing time or time zone. The annual timeline lists December 15 for award notification and January 1 for the program start. Applicants complete the online application and submit a current resume, essay responses, proof or plans for South Dakota licensure, documentation of qualifying educational-loan debt, at least one recommendation letter from someone other than the employer or practice owner, and employer support when applicable.
Loan and contract rules
Qualified loans include government, commercial, and foundation loans for tuition, education expenses, and reasonable living expenses related to accredited dental education. Home-equity, business, and personal loans from individuals do not qualify. Awardees sign a binding contract and Forgivable Note, report quarterly, and may continue annually for up to five years if obligations are met. Failure to satisfy the service agreement can trigger repayment.
Atlas fit
Atlas Opportunity Score: 68/100. This is a meaningful South Dakota dental-workforce and access-to-care opportunity, especially for dentists serving rural and Medicaid populations. N9+ Fit: 0/100. QC Healthcare Fit: 0/100. Direct Dr. Miltie fit: 0/100. Program funds are directed to qualified educational debt, not devices, telehealth technology, or contracted clinical services, so Atlas does not force a vendor or technology fit.
Contact
Connie Halverson, 800-627-3961, Connie.Halverson@deltadentalsd.com.