The Maryland Dent-Care Loan Assistance Repayment Program (MDC-LARP) is a student loan assistance repayment program for dentists and dental hygienists who treat Maryland's most vulnerable populations. The purpose of MDC-LARP is to increase access to oral health care services for Maryland Medical Assistance Program (MMAP) recipients by increasing the number of dentists and dental hygienists treating this population.
Application Timeline:
Opening Date: The 2026-2027 academic year application opens March 2026,
Closing Date: The 2026-2027 academic year application will close on July 31, 2026.
Notification Date: Applicants are advised to submit all required materials promptly to ensure timely processing.
Eligibility Requirements:
An individual must be:
• A practicing dentist or dental hygienist in Maryland who has graduated from an accredited dental or dental hygiene school in the state of Maryland and have a valid unrestricted license to practice dentistry in Maryland;
• Employed full-time/part time as a dentist or dental hygienist in Maryland providing care to Maryland Medical Assistance Program (MMAP) recipients in Maryland;
• A dentist or dental hygienist with at least 30 percent of their patient population as MMAP recipients; and;
• Currently paying off outstanding student loan debt.
*To be eligible for this award, an individual cannot be in default on a loan or have an incomplete service obligation.
Application Process & Requirements:
Complete and file an MDC-LARP application available through the Maryland Department of Health (MDH). Link to application can be foun under Additional Information.
Required Documentation:
You can use the link to the application or contact the Maryland Department of Health to get information regarding any required documentation needed to complete an application.
Award Amount:
Eligible Dentist applicants may receive up to $50,000 per year for each year of obligated service for up to a maximum of 3 years of service.
Eligible Dental Hygienist applicants may receive up to $10,000 per year for each year of obligated service for up to a maximum of 2 years of service.
Renewal Requirements:
Eligible Dentist can renew up to two years after the initial first year totaling 3 years
Eligible Dental hygienist can renew up to one year after the initial first year totaling 2 years.
Additional Information:
