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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 13, 2018 11:42 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative William C. Kortz, II |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Dentist Retention Student Loan Forgiveness |
| The average dental student graduates with upwards of $285,000 in debt, according to the American Dental Education Association. This is a figure that has risen about 233 percent since 1990. Dentists who continue their education in specialty training typically assume even more debt. Graduating dentists quickly become small business owners and, as such, might choose to relocate to an area with a large patient base and a friendly business environment in order to earn more and reduce their overwhelming debt. Unfortunately, in Pennsylvania, only 30 percent of graduating dentists return to practice in our Commonwealth. That is why I am introducing legislation to establish the Loan Forgiveness for Dentists Program, in which PHEAA would forgive 50 percent of the dentist’s loan, or up to $100,000, if the dentist signs a contract to practice dentistry in Pennsylvania for at least four consecutive years. It is my belief that, in order to support a robust network of quality dental care in Pennsylvania, we must offer a greater incentive to our students to pursue training in dentistry and to remain in our Commonwealth following graduation. Please join me in supporting Pennsylvania dentists and ensuring that dental patients in our Commonwealth have access to quality care. Your consideration and co-sponsorship is appreciated. |
Introduced as HB1681