The AAPD is pleased that the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has awarded nine new program grants for the Title VII Dental Faculty Loan Repayment Program (DFLRP). Thanks to AAPD advocacy efforts to obtain fiscal year (FY) 2021 federal funding for the Title VII oral health programs, a total of $944,779 was awarded for these new grants. This is in addition to the $4,801,501 that was awarded for DFLRP continuation grants at 21 other institutions. The loan repayment program extends for five years, repaying a higher amount each year so long as the benefitted individual remains a full-time faculty member.1

The nine new awardees and FY 2021 funding levels are as follows (note that award levels increase each subsequent year due to the structure of the program):

  • Western University of Health Sciences (Calif.)- $100,000
  • University of the Pacific (Calif.)- $59,399
  • Boston University (Mass.)- $97,898
  • AT Still University of Health Sciences (Missouri)- $100,000
  • University of Rochester (N.Y.)- $94,516
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (N.C.)- $99,900
  • East Carolina University (N.C.)- $69,800
  • Medical University of South Carolina (S.C.)- $97,177
  • Texas A&M University (Texas)- $66,960

Six of the nine grantees requested the funding preference for pediatric dentistry faculty. As obtained by the AAPD via Congressional report language, this resulted in the HRSA Notice of Funding Opportunity including the following provision:

“Preference in making grant awards will be given to applicants providing loan repayment to pediatric dentistry faculty supervising dental students or residents and providing clinical services in dental clinics located in dental schools, hospitals, and community-based affiliated sites.”

Each awardee program will administer the loan repayment and identify the individual recipient (s) of such funds. The AAPD will continue to profile pediatric dental faculty members benefitting from this program.

For more information about AAPD Title VII advocacy: C. Scott Litch, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel (slitch@aapd.org).

For more information about HRSA Title VII dental grant opportunities: Leola Royston, Educational Development and Academic Support Manager (lroyston@aapd.org).

 

1 The institution will pay an amount equal to 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 percent of the student loan balance, upon completion of each year of service.