FL H0621

Establishes the Dental Student Loan Repayment Program to encourage qualified dentists to practice in medically underserved areas or public health programs in Florida.

Department of Health shall develop the program in cooperation with University of Florida College of Dentistry, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Dental Medicine, and the Florida Dental Association.

Participants may receive loan repayment funds for a minimum of 1 year up to a maximum of 4 years while serving Medicaid recipients and low-income patients in eligible areas.

Dentists who fail to comply with program requirements become ineligible for license renewal; dentists unable to participate due to disability owe a penalty equal to the actual financial assistance received.

Department shall adopt rules specifying the annual amount each dentist may receive per year of participation; effective date is July 1, 2014.