BITES&BRIEFS


Student Loan Changes Ahead: ADA’s New Guide Can Help


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he ADA is introducing a new Student Loan Resource Guide to help dental students and their families un-


derstand signifi cant changes to federal student aid pro- grams that take eff ect July 1. The online toolkit outlines provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that aff ect graduate and professional student borrowing, including the termination of the federal Grad PLUS loan program and new annual and lifetime borrowing limits for pro- fessional students. Learn more at bit.ly/4vlMrxv.


CAQH Change to DataSpring


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ince 2017, the ADA has worked with the Council for Aff ordable Quality Healthcare— the healthcare industry stakeholder group better known as CAQH—to help reduce ad- ministrative burdens associated with credentialing. Through this relationship, dentists can store their credentialing information for free in the CAQH Provider Data Portal, where multiple dental plans can access it, instead of submitting the same information repeatedly to diff erent plans. In June, CAQH rebranded to DataSpring, powered by CAQH. In addi- tion to the rebrand, in January, CAQH also transitioned from a not-for-profi t organization to a for-profi t entity. Visit bit.ly/4vwU18g to learn more and to read ADA answers to some questions dentists may have about the rebrand and business model change.


Water Fluoridation Trainings Off ered Late Summer


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he Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ Offi ce of Dental Health


(ODH) is off ering free, in person Introduction to Water Fluoridation Trainings. Each session will include a water plant tour following the training. Water and wastewater operators, LPHA staff , and dental professionals are encouraged to participate. These events are in August and September around the state and will provide 4 hours CEU. Learn more at bit.ly/44pJ7oV.


Notice of Dental Medicaid Audits


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issouri receives federal funding for its Medicaid program. As a result, CMS


has partnered with CoventBridge (USA) to conduct random audits of providers enrolled in MO HealthNet or one of Missouri’s four Managed Care Organizations. These audits cover all types of providers and selections are made randomly. If a provider is chosen, they should promptly supply the requested records. Read provider bulletin for details at bit.ly/4fWnpjC.


ADA Advantage, MDA Endorse HP


DA Member Advantage has endorsed HP Inc. to provide members with exclusive access to advanced technology solutions and signifi cant cost savings. Through this endorsement, ADA members now gain access to exclusive savings of up to 40 percent on a wide range of HP products, including laptops, desktops, printers, ink, and accessories, plus free shipping on all orders and a 30-day hassle-free return and exchange policy. MDA co- endorses many ADA products and services, including HP. To learn more about all endorsed services and savings, visit adamemberadvantage.com.


A 12 focus | SUMMER 2026 | ISSUE 2


New ADA Early Career Page


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n response to feedback from the recent early career survey, the ADA launched a new content hub dedicated to resources and services for early career dentists. The page includes tools and guidance on top- ics such as contract negotiation, practice management, and fi nancial planning. Visit ADA.org/EarlyCareer.


STUDENT LOAN RESOURCE GUIDE


Helping Dental Students and Their Families Navigate New Student Loan Changes


Effective July 1, 2026, the federal landscape for student aid is changing. For dental students, the elimination of Grad PLUS and new borrowing caps may create a significant funding challenge. Use this dashboard to understand your gap and find your path forward.


Calculate Your Funding Gap


Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), federal borrowing for professional students is capped at $50,000 annually. With dental COA (Cost of Attendance) averaging $88,000, identifying your personal “gap” is the first priority.


Visualizing the 2026-27 Average Dental Cost of Attendance vs. OBBB Limits


$0


$10K


$20K


$30K


$40K


$50K $60K


$70K $80K


$90K Source: Department of Education


Critical Borrowing Changes The OBBB replaces unlimited Grad PLUS with strict federal caps.


Grad PLUS Eliminated


The Graduate PLUS loan program is entirely terminated. You can no longer borrow up to the full COA through the federal government.


$50k Annual Cap


Direct Unsubsidized loans are now capped at $50,000 per year for professional students. Eligibility is prorated if below full-time.


Aggregate Limits


Professional school cap: $200,000.


Absolute lifetime cap (including undergrad): $257,500


The Exemption Clause IF you received a federal loan in a specified degree program before June 30, 2026, THEN you are temporarily exempt from new federal borrowing rules while enrolled in that same degree program UNTIL the sooner of three academic years or completion of your degree program.


Always consult with your school’s financial aid office before making long-term borrowing decisions. © 2026 American Dental Association. All rights reserved.


Updated: June 16, 2026


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