The Dentist Loan Forgiveness Program provides funds for repayment of Qualified Educational Loans. Qualified Educational Loans include government, commercial, and foundation loans for actual costs paid for tuition, reasonable education and living expenses related to the past graduate or undergraduate education of the Dentist. This program is offered to dental students, residents or licensed dentists, who plan to serve/are serving at least 25 percent of their annual patient encounters to state public program enrollees or patients receiving a sliding fee schedule in Minnesota. A prospective participant must submit an application as a practicing dentist or while completing dental school or residency training. They must be fully licensed by March 31 following selection to be eligible. This is a competitive selection process. Selections are made based on suitability for practice as indicated by experience or training as noted on an application, as well as preference given to those closest to completing their training. Preference will be given to applicants who document diverse cultural competencies. The number of applicants ORHPC may select for participation per year varies and is contingent upon state funding. Participants are required to practice for at least 30 hours per week, for at least 45 weeks per year, for a minimum of three years as a dentist serving at least 25 percent of their annual patient encounters to state public program enrollees or patients receiving a sliding fee schedule. Participants must begin their service obligation under this program no later than March 31 following selection. Participants are eligible to participate for up to four years in the program during which they practice as a dentist serving at least 25 percent of their annual patient encounters to state public program enrollees or patients receiving a sliding fee schedule. Please visit the award's website or contact the Minnesota Department of Health - Office of Rural Health and Primary Care for more information.