On February 27, 2023, Representatives Brian Babin (R-TX) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) reintroduced the Resident Education Deferred Interest Act or the REDI Act. This bill would allow borrowers in medical or dental internships or residency programs to defer student loan payments, interest-free, until the completion of their programs. With dental school tuition nearly doubling since 2000, new dentists are faced with staggering amounts of debt after graduation, which can limit their ability to choose a preferred career path. However, according to HRSA, there are more than 45 million people currently living in a dental health professional shortage area, but education costs can disincentive students from practices in these areas after graduation.

Impact on General Dentistry: The AGD endorses and appreciates efforts like the REDI Act to help alleviate the debt burden on new dentists and urges Congress to ensure education costs aren’t hindering diversity, restricting service in underserved areas and/or serving as an outright deterrent for those wanting to enter the profession.