Ohio Dentist Loan Repayment Awards $200K

Four dentists have recently been named as the recipients of awards through the Ohio Dentist Loan Repayment Program (ODLRP), for their dedication to the oral health care needs of Ohioan

The ODLRP was established in 2003 with the passage of Ohio's Dental Care Improvement Act, Senate Bill 51 of the 125th General Assembly. The Ohio Dental Association was the driving force behind adoption if the act which, through the ODLRP, awards newly graduated dentists with financial assistance in return for their service in designated dental health professional shortage areas. The ODLRP is aimed at improving access to dental care, which has been cited by the Ohio Department of Health as the number one unmet health care need in Ohio.

This year's award recipients are: — Dr. Kyle Hensley, an ODA member serving at the Dayton Pediatric Clinic in Dayton. — Dr. Brian Morris, an ODA member serving at the Holzer Dental Health Partners in Jackson. — Dr. Abrar Abdul-Latif, a second year recipient serving at the Dental Center of Northwest Ohio in Toledo. — Dr. Michael Stubblefield, a second year recipient serving at the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department in Toledo.

A recent dental school graduate has also received ODLRP funding contingent upon receiving his dentist licensure. Because a contract has not yet been signed, the Ohio Department of Health is unable to release the graduate's name and information at this time.

A total of $200,000 was awarded to the recipients: $120,000 from ODLRP funds, $60,000 from the Bureau of Health Professions Fund and $20,000 from the Heath Priorities Trust Fund.

The program is administered by the Ohio Department of Health and is funded from a surcharge on dentists' licensure renewals collected every two years. The program is also funded through the state's Bureau of Health Professions (BHPr) and the Health Priorities Trust Fund. Award recipients are required to provide dental services for at least one year, at a minimum of 40 hours per week without regard to a patient's ability or inability to pay.

The Ohio Dental Association serves over 5,400 members — approximately 80 percent of the state's licensed dentists — through programs, services and member benefits. In addition, the ODA reaches out to consumers, educators, health professionals and others through education, advocacy and public service programs.

For more information or to schedule an interview with a dentist participating in ODLRP contact the Marketing and Communications manager at the Ohio Dental Association at (614) 486-2700 or emily@oda.org.