Updated Sept. 3, 2025: This article is updated regularly to reflect current and planned application cycles for the four HCAI financial assistance programs. The Advanced Practice Healthcare Scholarship Program is open for applications Sept. 2 – Oct. 3, 2025. The California State Loan Repayment Program is open for applications through Sept. 15, 2025. The Allied Healthcare Scholarship Program and Allied Healthcare Loan Repayment Program may reopen in 2026.
Dentists, dental students and individuals enrolled in accredited dental assisting or dental hygiene programs in California may be eligible for financial assistance via loan repayment or a scholarship through the Department of Health Care Access and Information in exchange for making a service commitment.
CDA successfully advocated in 2022 for state budget funding to expand the diversity of California’s health care workforce, and the millions of dollars in HCAI scholarships, loan repayments and grant programs are one result. Additional funding will go to workforce capacity research, education and training.
Nader A. Nadershahi, DDS, MBA, EdD, dean of the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, serves 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 and was pleased that Gov. Gavin Newsom’s appointed Dr. Nadershahi to the council.
Program descriptions and eligibility
Brief summaries of the scholarship and loan repayment programs follow. Prospective candidates can first use the HCAI’s funding eligibility tool to determine if they are eligible to apply for any of the programs.
For all programs, eligible providers will submit their application through the HCAI’s online application portal after first registering to use the system.
California State Loan Repayment Program: Accepting applications
This educational loan repayment program is designed to increase and diversify the state’s health care workforce.
Eligible general and pediatric dentists and registered dental hygienists:
- May receive up to $50,000 in loan forgiveness for a two-year, full-time service obligation in a federally designated health professional shortage area.
- May receive up to $25,000 in loan forgiveness for a two-year, half-time service obligation in a federally designated health professional shortage area.
Award amounts up to $10,000 or $20,000 are also available to eligible providers with half-time or full-time first-year service extensions.
The application cycle is open through 3 p.m., Sept. 15, 2025. Applicants should review the grant guide before applying.
Advanced Practice Healthcare Scholarship Program: Accepting applications
California dental students, including students of post-graduate programs, are eligible to apply for the Advanced Practice Healthcare Scholarship Program, which aims to increase the number of appropriately trained advanced practice health care professionals providing direct patient care in an underserved area or qualified facility.
Eligible dental students:
- May receive a $25,000 scholarship in exchange for a 12-month service obligation practicing and providing direct patient care in an underserved community.
- Must be currently enrolled in a dental school program and able to show associated education costs.
The application cycle is open Sept. 2-Oct. 3, 2025.
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, which aims to increase the number of appropriately trained allied health professionals providing direct patient care in an underserved area or qualified facility.
Eligible students:
- May receive up to $15,000 in exchange for a 12-month service obligation practicing and providing direct patient care in an underserved community.
- Must be currently enrolled in a dental hygiene program and able to show associated education costs.
The application cycle is closed. HCAI asks interested applicants to check back for updates in 2026. Questions about both scholarship programs can be emailed to HCAI.
Allied Healthcare Loan Repayment Program
The Allied Healthcare Loan Repayment Program aims to increase the number of appropriately trained allied health care professionals.
Eligible dental assistants and dental hygienists in California:
- May receive up to $16,000 in loan repayments in exchange for a 12-month service obligation.
- Must meet service obligation by practicing and providing direct patient care at a County Medical Services Program-contracted provider location or a facility in any of the 35 CMSP-designated counties.
The next application cycle is expected to open in May 2026.