Policy Alert: US Federal Loan Caps Threaten Dental Hygiene and Health Programs
A proposed plan in the United States to impose strict caps on federal student loans is raising serious concerns among healthcare professionals, particularly those in programs falling outside of narrowly defined professional categories. The proposed changes, part of a larger federal legislative effort, would significantly limit the ability of graduate students—especially in Dental Hygiene programs—to finance their education.
This debate highlights the risk of restricting access to advanced education amidst an ongoing shortage crisis in the healthcare workforce.
Key Changes and Impact on Education
The core of the controversy is the U.S. Department of Education’s narrow definition of what constitutes a "professional degree program," which directly impacts loan limits:
Elimination of Grad PLUS Loans: Changes set to take effect starting July 2026 will eliminate the Graduate PLUS loan program, which previously allowed graduate students to borrow up to the full cost of attendance.
Two Loan Categories: New rules establish two different annual loan ceilings:
Professional Programs (High Cap): Students can borrow up to $50,000 annually. This category explicitly includes Dentistry (DDS/DMD), Medicine, Law, and Pharmacy.
Other Graduate Programs (Low Cap): Students will be capped at $20,500 annually.
Dental Hygiene Excluded: Controversially, the narrow definition excludes Dental Hygiene master's programs, Nursing, and Physical Therapy from the "Professional" category. Consequently, students pursuing advanced degrees in Dental Hygiene will be restricted to the much lower loan limit ($20,500 per year).
Industry Reaction and Consequences
The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) has voiced strong opposition, warning that this decision will have broad consequences for the labor market and patient care:
Financial Barrier: The lower loan cap creates significant financial barriers for prospective students, especially those from low-income backgrounds. Tuition and living costs often substantially exceed the $20,500 limit.
Encouraging Private Loans: Students will be forced to turn to private loans, which generally carry higher interest rates and fewer consumer protections, increasing their debt risk.
Worsening Workforce Shortages: By making it harder to fund advanced education, the initiative risks exacerbating existing healthcare workforce shortages across the U.S., particularly in Dental Hygiene, where highly educated professionals are essential.
The ADHA is urging the Department of Education to revise its definitions to include highly needed healthcare professions, ensuring that federal loan policy does not inadvertently limit access to essential healthcare.
Original Article Details
Original Title (Shortened): US Federal Loan Caps Threaten Dental Hygiene
Source: Oral Health Group (Content via The Associated Press)
Publication Date: November 25, 2025