Everything’s bigger in Texas, even the benefits of being a new pediatric dentist in the Lone Star State. Pediatric dentists and physicians can receive up to $140K for student loan reimbursement, dispersed over four years, if they accept Medicaid. What prompted this move by the Texas Department of State Health Services? And more importantly, what’s the catch?
Why is Texas paying for dental student loans?
A lawsuit regarding lack of access to medical and dental care for children in the Medicaid program was settled in 2007. During this process, the student loan replayment plan for childen’s dentists and doctors was created with $150 M set aside by the state Legistlature. More than 80 dentists and physicians have applied for the program since registration opened on March 1, 2009.
What’s the catch?
New pediatric dentists and physicians who wish to take advantage of the program must provide care for Medicaid paitents for four years to receive the full $140K. The program will accept up to 300 doctors each year. Specialty doctors in great demand in some regions will be priority on the list. Primary selections will be made in June 2009.
Is it worth it?
The upsides… In addition to the personal fulfillment you’d receive from treating underprivileged kids, if you’re an average, recently graduated pediatric dentist, your student loans add up to about $140K – so you could use the cash. And the downside is obvious… Medicaid doesn’t pay like fee-for-service or even private insurance, and starting a dental practice can be quite costly.
Get the facts and make application by visiting the Texas Departmetn of State Health Services website here.
0 responses so far ↓
There are no comments yet...Kick things off by filling out the form below.
Leave a Comment