Joint Dentist-Physician Support Letter for the REDI Act

  • by AGD Washington Advocacy Representative
  • Jul 15, 2021
AGD joined a coalition of dentist and physician organizations in sending a letter thanking the sponsors of the Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act, H.R.4122. This effort was spearheaded by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). 

If enacted, the REDI Act would allow student loan borrowers to qualify for interest-free deferment on their student loans while serving in a medical or dental internship or residency program. The legislation is being sponsored by Representatives Brian Babin, D.D.S. (R-TX), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA). 

Advocating for the passage of the was one of the priorities AGD members discussed during their Congressional meetings at AGD’s 2021 Virtual Hill Day Event. 

Impact on General Dentistry: The AGD supports the REDI Act and its goal of curtailing the high costs associated with graduate-level dental education. Providing interest accrual relief during residency would make the concepts of opening practices in underserved areas or entering faculty or research more attractive and affordable. These developments are essential to improving the ability to provide increased access to dental care and increase the capacity for dental programs to train additional dentists.