CS/HB 369 - Dental Student Loan Repayment Program

• Establishes the Dental Student Loan Repayment Program administered by the Department of Health to support Florida-licensed dentists working in public health programs serving Medicaid recipients and low-income patients in dental health professional shortage areas or medically underserved areas.

• Limits awards to a maximum of $50,000 per year per eligible dentist and covers loans for tuition, books, dental equipment and supplies, uniforms, and living expenses.

• Dentists are eligible to receive funds for a minimum of 1 year up to a maximum of 5 years, with the department capping new participants at 10 dentists per fiscal year.

• Dentists lose eligibility if they cease employment with a qualifying public health program, stop participating in the Florida Medicaid program, or receive disciplinary action from the Board of Dentistry for a violation of section 466.028.

• Takes effect July 1, 2018, subject to available funding and department rulemaking.