The AAO has worked for several years with the Florida Association of Orthodontists, the Florida Dental Association, and other dental health groups in Florida, advocating for continued funding of the Dental Student Loan Repayment Program via the Florida Reimbursement Assistances for Medical Education program (FRAME). FRAME provides financial incentives for orthodontists to practice in medically underserved parts of Florida by offering tuition reimbursement.
During the 2025 Florida legislative session, AAO and the coalition worked to support maintaining the funding allocated to the Dental Student Loan Repayment Program via the state’s budget bill. With AAO’s advocacy support,Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the budget this summer, allocating $6 million to the program.
The program encourages dentists and orthodontists to serve the Medicaid population in dental health professional shortage areas and medically underserved rural and urban areas throughout Florida. In exchange for the provider’s commitment to that mission, the Dental Student Loan Repayment Program provides $50,000 in financial assistance per year, for up to 5 years and up to $250,000, to go toward repayment of dental student loans.
Reducing the Impact of Loan Debt on Employment and Practice Location Choices
Too often, new graduates must prioritize financial concerns over serving underserved communities. The average student loan debt for orthodontists completing residency is over $560,000. The Dental Student Loan Repayment Program allows new orthodontists in Florida to consider service in communities where they prefer to be, rather than the financial burdens of student loan repayment being the primary driver for where to locate. This ensures a wider range of opportunities for the doctor and improved access to quality dental care to communities throughout Florida that need it the most.
The Florida Dental Student Loan Repayment Program structure can serve as a model for efforts to enact similar programs in other states. As student loan programs at the federal level change, there is an even greater need for similar programs at the state level. You can read more about the changes to federal student loans enacted via the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” here.
As the AAO focuses on advancing our student loan debt priorities in Washington, D.C. and throughout the states, please help support AAO Advocacy priorities now by making your gift celebrating 125 years of AAO in 2025. It only takes a few minutes to complete your contribution now at AAOPAC.org, using your e-mail address associated with your AAO membership.
AAO Online Resource Offers Additional Options
The burden of student loan debt shapes where orthodontists practice, limits their ability to buy or start practices, and reduces the number of orthodontists pursuing careers as educators. Addressing these financial challenges is a top AAO priority as we support our members and strengthen the future of dental care in the United States. The AAO has developed a suite of resources to support colleagues, advocates, policymakers, and residents exploring student loan forgiveness programs and policy solutions.
We encourage all residents and early career orthodontists to explore the site and take full advantage of these valuable resources. Please feel free to share this resource site with other AAO members who may be interested in learning more.
Explore AAO Student Loan Debt Resources
