The average dental graduate carries $312,700 in debt. The National Health Service Corps repays up to $50,000 tax‑free for two years full‑time at an approved site in a shortage area. Enter a ZIP to see whether it qualifies — and what it's worth against your loans.
Eligibility shown is for the ZIP; NHSC awards attach to an approved site, and the site itself must be approved separately — it must accept Medicaid, CHIP and Medicare assignment and offer a sliding‑fee discount from 100–200% of the federal poverty guideline. Private practices are not auto‑approved: applications open once a year, typically in spring, with review of six to eight weeks and approval two to three months after that. Awards are made in descending HPSA score order, so a higher score means a better chance of funding, not a guarantee. Shortage data: HRSA dental HPSA file. Dentist supply: CMS NPPES, counted over a five‑mile‑minimum catchment. Income and poverty: ACS 2023 5‑year. Verify any specific address with HRSA's HPSA Find tool before relying on this.