Dentists and dental hygienists who move to underserved rural or remote areas for a total of five years could have up to $60,000 and $15,000, respectively, of their student debt forgiven under a new federal initiative set to take effect on Nov. 1.
“Providing student loan relief to health care and social service professionals working in rural and remote communities will not only help improve access to health care in these communities – it will also improve overall health outcomes and add talented workers to our community health-care networks,” said Steven MacKinnon, minister of employment, workforce development and labour.
The move is part of the federal government’s effort to improve access to care in rural communities, where residents often experience worse health outcomes compared to the general population. The announcement follows a commitment in Budget 2024 to expand student loan forgiveness to additional health and social service professionals.
Changes to the Canada Student Financial Assistance Regulations and Canada Student Loans Regulations will extend loan forgiveness eligibility to early childhood educators, dentists, dental hygienists, pharmacists, midwives, teachers, social workers, psychologists, personal support workers and physiotherapists.
Student loan expected to be forgiven
Dentists in Group 1 will be eligible for up to $60,000 in loan forgiveness, starting with $8,000 in the first year, increasing to $10,000 in the second, $12,000 in the third, $14,000 in the fourth and $16,000 in the fifth.
Dental hygienists in Group 3 will be eligible for up to $15,000 in loan forgiveness, with $2,000 in the first year, $2,500 in the second, $3,000 in the third, $3,500 in the fourth and $4,000 in the fifth.
Budget 2023 expanded the loan forgiveness program to include all communities with a population of no more than 30,000. The initiative builds on earlier changes in 2022 that increased the maximum amount of loan forgiveness by 50 per cent, with implementation beginning in November 2023.
The government has invited public feedback on the proposed regulatory changes, with comments accepted through the Canada Gazette until March 17.
