Dental Faculty Loan Repayment Program (DFLRP)
Can you apply?
This grant is for dental educators and faculty seeking loan repayment assistance. The Dental Faculty Loan Repayment Program (DFLRP) provides funding to support dental faculty members at accredited dental schools or dental academic institutions who commit to continuing their work in dental education. Eligible applicants typically include DDS/DMD degree holders employed as faculty at accredited dental schools in the United States. The program aims to increase the number of qualified dental educators and support retention of experienced faculty in academic dentistry. Geographic scope covers the entire United States, and awards support loan repayment for qualifying educational debt incurred for dental or related professional degrees.
Key dates
- Feb 26, 2026 Applications open
- Jun 22, 2026 Application deadline in 21 days
- Aug 1, 2026 Award announced
- Sep 1, 2026 Project start
This grant is for dental educators and faculty seeking loan repayment assistance. The Dental Faculty Loan Repayment Program (DFLRP) provides funding to support dental faculty members at accredited dental schools or dental academic institutions who commit to continuing their work in dental education. Eligible applicants typically include DDS/DMD degree holders employed as faculty at accredited dental schools in the United States. The program aims to increase the number of qualified dental educators and support retention of experienced faculty in academic dentistry. Geographic scope covers the entire United States, and awards support loan repayment for qualifying educational debt incurred for dental or related professional degrees.
Program description
The purpose of the Dental Faculty Loan Repayment Program is to increase the number of dental and dental hygiene faculty in the workforce by assisting dental and dental hygiene training programs to attract and retain full-time faculty through loan repayment.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public University
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Details
This grant is for dental educators and faculty seeking loan repayment assistance. The Dental Faculty Loan Repayment Program (DFLRP) provides funding to support dental faculty members at accredited dental schools or dental academic institutions who commit to continuing their work in dental education. Eligible applicants typically include DDS/DMD degree holders employed as faculty at accredited dental schools in the United States. The program aims to increase the number of qualified dental educators and support retention of experienced faculty in academic dentistry. Geographic scope covers the entire United States, and awards support loan repayment for qualifying educational debt incurred for dental or related professional degrees.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Application form (HHS standard or program-specific form)
- Curriculum vitae or resume detailing academic and professional background
- Proof of educational debt (loan statements from servicer(s))
- Letter of institutional support from dental school dean or faculty leader
- Documentation of current faculty position and employment contract
- Statement of commitment to continued service in dental education
- Budget and narrative describing intended use of funds
Program contact
- 👤 Jesse Ungard
- 📧 JUngard@hrsa.gov
- 📞 301.443.0337
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.059 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$4,088,950
-
$4,049,496
-
$3,820,225
-
$3,794,296
-
$3,604,500
-
$3,442,823
-
$3,336,374
-
$3,305,078
-
$2,967,378
-
$2,799,649
Top States by Funding
- NY 15 awards $21.7M
- CA 11 awards $16.6M
- MA 11 awards $14.7M
- TX 10 awards $13.8M
- PA 6 awards $9.1M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.059). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $23,365,561 | |
| 2025 | $23,325,940 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for the DFLRP?
Dental faculty members with a DDS or DMD degree who are currently employed at an accredited U.S. dental school and meet the program's service commitment requirements are typically eligible.
What types of loans can be repaid?
The program generally covers education loans used to finance dental school, as well as undergraduate and graduate loans related to dental education.
What is the typical service commitment requirement?
Applicants typically must commit to remaining in a dental faculty position for a specified period (commonly 2-3 years) after receiving funds.
How competitive is this grant?
This is a moderately competitive program. Success depends on demonstrating commitment to dental education, institutional support, and a clear plan for sustained faculty engagement.
What is the typical funding range?
HRSA programs typically provide annual loan repayment assistance ranging from $20,000 to $60,000 per eligible faculty member, though exact amounts vary by program year and funding availability.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Ensure your dental institution provides strong institutional support documentation, including commitment to your retention and faculty development.
- Clearly articulate your contributions to dental education and your commitment to advancing the profession through teaching and mentorship.
- Document the amount and type of eligible educational debt, with verification from your loan servicer if possible.
- Highlight any additional roles you play in curriculum development, student mentorship, or leadership that strengthen your application.
- Align your application timeline with your institution's submission process; work with your dental school's grants office early to meet all deadlines.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often fail due to insufficient institutional support documentation or unclear evidence of the applicant's ongoing commitment to dental education beyond the repayment period. Additionally, applicants sometimes underestimate the importance of demonstrating a clear track record in faculty roles and educational contributions; programs prioritize candidates who show leadership potential and sustained dedication to academic dentistry.
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