The AAO has worked for several years with the Florida Association of Orthodontists (FAO), the Florida Dental Association (FDA), and other oral health organizations to advocate for continued funding of Florida’s Dental Student Loan Repayment Program through the Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education (FRAME) Program. FRAME provides financial incentives for orthodontists to practice in medically underserved communities by helping repay educational debt. This year, a $6 million appropriation for the program was secured.
On June 29, Governor DeSantis approved the FY 2026–27 budget passed by the Florida Legislature, which took effect July 1, 2026. Although the Governor exercised $1.6 billion in line-item vetoes from the $117.6 billion budget, the full $6 million appropriation for the Florida Department of Health’s Dental Student Loan Repayment Program through FRAME was retained, preserving orthodontist eligibility.
The program encourages dentists and orthodontists to serve Medicaid patients in dental health professional shortage areas and medically underserved rural and urban communities throughout Florida. In return, participating providers may receive up to $50,000 annually for five years, for a maximum benefit of $250,000, toward repayment of qualifying dental education loans.
“Without the sustained leadership and partnership of the AAO, FAO, and the Florida Dental Association over the past several years, this funding would not have been included in the state budget,” said AAO Vice President of Advocacy Nathan Mick. “Together, our organizations have helped secure more than $20 million in recent years for Florida’s Dental Student Loan Repayment Program. This investment is helping orthodontists address student loan debt while expanding access to quality orthodontic care in medically underserved communities across Florida.”
Reducing the Impact of Student Loan Debt on Career and Practice Decisions
Significant educational debt can affect where new graduates are able to practice, including whether they can pursue opportunities in underserved communities. The average student loan debt for orthodontists completing residency exceeds $560,000. Florida’s Dental Student Loan Repayment Program enables new orthodontists to pursue practice opportunities in underserved communities without student loan debt being the primary factor driving their career decisions. This expands career opportunities for orthodontists while improving access to quality orthodontic care in the communities that need it most.
Florida’s program can serve as a model for similar efforts in other states. As federal student loan policies continue to evolve, state-based repayment programs will become increasingly important in helping orthodontists manage educational debt while expanding access to care. The AAO is working to advance similar opportunities in other states as part of its broader advocacy strategy to address the growing burden of orthodontic student loan debt.
You can read more about recent changes to federal student loan policy here: New Federal Student Loan Limits Could Reshape the Path to Orthodontics.
As the AAO advocates to advance student loan debt solutions at the state level and in Washington, DC through legislation like the REDI Act, your support of AAOPAC helps strengthen these advocacy efforts. In celebration of the AAO’s 126th anniversary in 2026, please consider making your contribution today at AAOPAC.org using the email address associated with your AAO membership.
AAO Online Resource Offers Additional Options
Because student loan debt can influence practice location, ownership opportunities and academic career paths, addressing these financial challenges remains a top AAO advocacy priority as we support our members and strengthen the future of orthodontic care. Addressing these financial challenges remains a top AAO advocacy priority as we support our members and strengthen the future of orthodontic care.
The AAO has developed a comprehensive collection of resources for members, residents, policymakers, and advocates exploring student loan repayment programs and policy solutions. We encourage residents, early-career orthodontists, and all interested members to explore these resources and share them with colleagues who may benefit.
