The ADA is joining the Organized Dentistry Coalition and several other healthcare organizations to support the Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act, according to a June 30 report from ADA News.
The bill would enable dental and medical residents to defer interest accrual on their federal loans until after they have completed their residency programs. In a June 28 letter to the bill's sponsor, Rep. Dr. Brian Babin (R-TX), ADA President Dr. Daniel Klemmedson and Executive Director Dr. Kathleen O'Loughlin said the bill would end what amounts to an interest penalty just for pursuing a medical or dental residency.
"This bill will not eliminate the student debt hardship for new dentists, but it will help offset the unprecedented financial challenges these essential health care providers face at graduation," they wrote.
