Bill would reduce student loan burden for dentists, physicians

ADA supports REDI Act

A bill was reintroduced in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives that would allow medical and dental students to defer payments on federal student loans and delay interest accrual until after completing their residency programs.  

The ADA sent a March 17 thank-you letter to Sens. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., and John Boozman, R-Ark., and Reps. Brian Babin, D.D.S., R-Texas, and Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., for introducing the legislation, known as the Resident Education Deferred Interest Act. 

If approved, the measure would allow dental and medical residents to automatically defer payments on student loans until after residency, as well as suspend the accrual of federal student loan interest during this period.  

In the letter, ADA President Brett Kessler, D.D.S., and Interim Executive Director Elizabeth Shapiro, D.D.S., J.D., noted that 78% of dental school graduates begin their careers carrying more than $312,000 in student loan debt. They said interest rates can reach as high as 10.5% depending on the loan type and market conditions.  

“By eliminating this interest penalty, the [Resident Education Deferred Interest Act] would provide relief to those choosing to advance their expertise in patient care,” Drs. Kessler and Shapiro wrote. “While this bill will not eliminate the financial burden early-career dentists face, it is a meaningful step toward alleviating the unprecedented challenges confronting new health care providers.” 

The Resident Education Deferred Interest Act was last introduced in both the House and Senate in 2023. For more information or to follow all the ADA’s advocacy efforts, visit ADA.org/Advocacy.