Updated Sept. 24, 2026: This article is updated regularly to show current and upcoming application cycles for four financial assistance programs for dentists and dental professionals. Applications for the California State Loan Repayment Program closed Sept. 15, 2026. The Allied Healthcare Loan Repayment Program, the Advanced Practice Healthcare Scholarship Program and the Allied Healthcare Scholarship Program will not be accepting applications in 2026-27, but prospective applicants can check back check back for information about future application cycles.
CDA successfully advocated in 2022 for state budget funding to increase the diversity of California’s health care workforce. Millions of dollars in loan repayments, scholarships and grant programs through the Department of Health Care Access and Information are one result of that advocacy. Additional funding goes to workforce capacity research, education and training.
Dr. Nader A. Nadershahi, former dean of the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, now executive director of the American Dental Association, served on the 18-member council that discusses and makes recommendations to HCAI on topics such as workforce education and training, health career pathways and areas of need for health workforce resources. CDA advocated for dentistry’s perspective to be included in such funding decisions.
Program descriptions and eligibility
Brief summaries of the two loan and two scholarship programs follow. Prospective candidates should first use HCAI’s funding eligibility quiz to determine if they are eligible to apply for any of the programs.
For all programs, applicants will submit their application through the HCAI’s online application portal after first registering to use the system.
California State Loan Repayment Program
General and pediatric dentists and registered dental hygienists may be eligible to apply for the California State Loan Repayment Program, which provides loan repayment assistance to health care professionals who provide services in federally designated California Health Professional Shortage Areas.
Applicants are eligible if they (1) are a California resident and possess a valid and unrestricted license to practice in California, (2) do not have other existing service obligations with other entities, (3) keep eligible educational loans in good standing, and (4) satisfy all other eligibility requirements listed in the grant guide.
Award amounts
- Up to $50,000 for committing to practice and provide direct patient care full time for two years in an underserved community.
- Up to $25,000 for committing to practice and provide direct patient care part time for two years in an underserved community.
- Up to $20,000 in additional awards for service extensions of one to three (or more) years.
The 2026 application cycle closed Sept. 15. Check back here or on the application page in July 2027 for information about the next application cycle.
Allied Healthcare Loan Repayment Program
The Allied Healthcare Loan Repayment Program seeks to increase the number of appropriately trained allied health care professionals working in underserved communities in California. Dental assistant and dental hygienist are eligible professions.
The application cycle is closed and will not accept applications in 2026-27.
Advanced Practice Healthcare Scholarship Program
California dental students, including students of post-graduate programs, are eligible to apply for the Advanced Practice Healthcare Scholarship Program. This program aims to increase the number of appropriately trained advanced practice health care professionals providing direct patient care in an underserved area or qualified facility.
The application cycle is closed and will not accept applications in 2026-27 or “for the foreseeable future.”
Allied Healthcare Scholarship Program
Applicants enrolled in an accredited dental assisting or dental hygiene program in California are eligible to apply for the Allied Healthcare Scholarship Program. This program aims to increase the number of appropriately trained allied health professionals providing direct patient care in an underserved area or qualified facility.
The application cycle is closed and will not accept applications in 2026-27 or “for the foreseeable future.”