Main Content

Pursue a dentistry career in Vermont

An interest-free, forgivable loan which pays up to $50,000 annually

A program to increase the number of dentists in Vermont

Are you looking for a career that’s hands-on, rewarding, and in high demand? Dentistry offers a unique opportunity to build skills that make a lasting difference in patients’ lives.

A dentistry degree leads to a fulfilling career focused on improving oral health and patient well-being. Dentists enjoy high earning potential, job security, and flexibility, with opportunities to work in private practices, clinics, or research. The field also allows for specialization and diverse career paths in areas like:

  • Preventive Dental Care
  • Dental Hygiene and Cleanings
  • Restorative Procedures
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Oral Surgery
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Orthodontics

Vermont State Dentist Incentive Loan Program

Funded by the Vermont Legislature, the Vermont State Dentist Incentive Loan Program awards up to $50,000 annually for qualified students enrolled in their second, third or fourth year of a dental program.

Funding is limited and awarded to qualifying students on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds have been depleted. 

Awards are in the form of an interest-free loan which is forgiven when you sign a promissory note and complete the following work obligations:

  • Complete a training program leading to eligibility to sit for dental licensure exams
  • Receive a successful passing grade on the NDBE and Vermont state licensing exams
  • Complete of one year of employment as a dentist in Vermont following licensure for each year of assistance received.
    • You must average no less than 20 hours/week
    • You're expected to accept patients with coverage under Medicaid or other state-funded health care benefit programs. 

Vermont State Dentist Incentive Loan Program FAQ

Who is eligible?

Students who are:

  • Vermont residents
  • Current graduate students who have completed their first year and are entering their second, third or fourth year of a dental program
  • Enrolled full time in an accredited dental school approved for federal Title IV funding (Pell grants, federal Direct loans)
  • Planning to work as a dentist in Vermont for a minimum of one year following licensure
  • Able to demonstrate financial need
  • Able to demonstrate academic achievement
How much is the award?

The award is up to $50,000 annually for qualified students enrolled in their second, third or fourth year of a dental program.

What period does this cover?

Funding awarded after June 28th will cover the costs of programs you attend during the 2024-2025 academic year (July 1, 2024-July 1, 2025).

When should I apply?

Funding is limited. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until all funds have been awarded.

How do I apply?
  1. Complete the Unified Scholarship Application online through your MyVSAC account, click on "Work with Scholarships & Forgivable Loans", look for “Submit Application” and “Unified Scholarship Application (USA)” and follow the instructions.
  2. Complete the FAFSA for the academic year you’re attending or planning to attend a qualifying program.
  3. Submit essay #1 (general essay), recommendation letter #1 (non-relative), resume and transcript.
  4. If you're selected to receive funding by the selection committee, you must sign a promissory note. The note will be sent to you along with your award notification and will outline the conditions and specific work obligations of the program. The loan will be forgiven when the work obligation is met:
  • Completion of a training program leading to eligibility to sit for dental licensure exams
  • A successful passing grade on the NDBE and Vermont state licensing exams
  • Completion of one year of employment as a dentist in Vermont following licensure for each year of assistance received. Employment must average no less than 20 hours/week; recipients are expected to accept patients with coverage under Medicaid or other state-funded health care benefit programs. 
How will I know the status of my application?

Log into your MyVSAC account and click on "Work with Scholarships & Forgivable Loans" to check the status of your application.

What is an interest-free forgivable loan?

The State of Vermont offers several forgivable loan programs to encourage students to enter Vermont's workforce in specific high-demand fields. These unique loans:

  • Are interest-free
  • Require you to
    • sign a promissory note committing to specific work obligations when you accept the funding
    • complete annual verification with the VSAC Scholarship Program each year
  • Do not require payment while the student is enrolled in the applicable program
  • Are “forgiven” — which means that the loan does not have to be paid back — when you meet the work obligations outlined in the promissory note you signed
  • Must be repaid if you don't complete the program, doesn't receive their license, or doesn't work in the field in Vermont following licensure 

For example: Barry received $50,000 in a dentistry forgivable loan program to study dentistry at UVM for his senior year. Upon completion of the program, Barry took his dental exams, received his license and began working as a dentist in Vermont. One year later his employment was verified, and the loan was forgiven!

Additional questions?

If you have additional questions about your application or status, Contact VSAC or call 888-253-4819.