Pursue a career in dental hygiene—tuition free

A program to increase the number of dental hygienists in Vermont

Are you looking for a hands-on, fulfilling career in a growing healthcare field? Consider becoming a dental hygienist and play a vital role in promoting oral health and overall well-being.

Dental hygienists provide essential preventive care, educate patients on proper oral hygiene, and work closely with dentists to improve patient outcomes. With strong job stability, competitive salaries, and opportunities for career advancement, dental hygiene is a rewarding and in-demand profession.

Some key areas of focus in dental hygiene include:

• Preventive Oral Care
• Patient Education & Counseling
• Dental Cleanings & Examinations
• Periodontal Disease Management
• Radiography & Diagnostic Imaging
• Sealant & Fluoride Application

Vermont Dental Hygienist Forgivable Loan Incentive Program

More dental hygienists are needed to fill available positions across Vermont. VSAC and the Vermont Department of Health have teamed up to offer a program that covers up to full tuition to qualified students pursuing a dental hygiene career in Vermont.

Funded by the Vermont Legislature, the Vermont Dental Hygienist Forgivable Loan Incentive Program is open to students enrolled at an accredited school approved for federal Title IV funding anywhere in the U.S., with preference given to Vermont institutions.

Funding is 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 the student signs a promissory note and has completed the following work obligation:

• Agrees to work full-time as a dental hygienist in Vermont for one year following licensure for each year of assistance received

Vermont Dental Hygienist Forgivable Loan FAQ

Who is eligible?

Students who are:

• Vermont or non-Vermont residents
• Enrolled in a dental hygienist program
• Enrolled at least half-time
• Maintaining good standing at their school
• Attending an accredited school approved for federal Title IV funding (Pell grants, federal Direct loans)
• Agreeing to work full-time as a dental hygienist in Vermont for a minimum of one year following licensure, for each year of forgivable loan awarded
• Willing to complete a promissory note agreeing to loan repayment if the employment service commitment is not met

How much is the award?

Recipients are eligible for up to full tuition for their program, not to exceed Vermont State University  in-state tuition rate. If you are receiving other tuition-specific aid, this award may be used to pay for room, board, and the cost of books and supplies, however, the total award amount cannot exceed the cost of your program’s tuition or VTSU's in-state tuition rate, whichever is less.

What period does this cover?

Funding awarded will be applied towards the costs of programs you attend during the 2025-2026 academic year (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026).

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 VSAC-Assisted Scholarships", 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) and official transcript. For more information on these required documents, review the Scholarships & Forgivable Loans for Vermonters booklet.
4. If selected as a recipient by the selection committee, you must sign a promissory note, committing you to the following work arrangements. The loan will be forgiven when these work obligations are met:
   • Successfully complete the dental hygiene program
   • Pass the dental hygiene exam
   • Receive your Vermont dental hygiene license
   • Work for one year as a dental hygienist for each year you receive funding
   • Work full-time in Vermont as a dental hygienist, employed directly by a Vermont health care provider, for a minimum of one year following licensure for each year of funding received

How will I know the status of my application?

Log into your MyVSAC account and click on Work with VSAC-Assisted Scholarships 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 awarded students to
  • sign a promissory note committing to specific work obligations when they 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 the student meets the work obligations outlined in the promissory note they signed
• Must be repaid if the student doesn't complete the program, doesn't receive their license, or doesn't work in the field in Vermont following licensure 

For example: Mary received $16,000 in a dental hygienist forgivable loan program to study dental hygiene at Vermont State University for her senior year. Upon completion of the program, Mary took her dental hygiene exams and received her license and began working as a dental hygienist in Vermont. One year later her 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.

promote the Dental Hygienist Program to students