AAE Advocates for Student Loan Relief in Congress
The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) is proud to stand alongside the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) and other leading dental specialty organizations in signing a coalition letter that addresses the escalating financial burdens facing dental residents nationwide. But AAE did not stop there—we launched a grassroots advocacy campaign to support the Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act.
This bipartisan bill allows dental residents to defer student loan payments without accruing interest during their residency training, a significant step toward alleviating the long-term impact of dental school debt and empowering the next generation of dental specialists.
AAE’s Commitment to Reducing Financial Barriers
AAE recognizes that the path to becoming a specialist often requires significant financial investment. Dental students commonly graduate with hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt, and during residency, their ability to repay loans is often limited. Despite working full-time hours, most residents receive only modest stipends. The REDI Act would provide these individuals with interest-free deferment of federal student loans during this critical training period—offering some financial breathing room while they hone the skills necessary to provide high-quality patient care.
Beyond financial relief, the REDI Act supports a broader healthcare mission: expanding access to specialized dental care, including endodontics, in communities across the country. AAE is deeply concerned about the national shortage of dental specialists, particularly in underserved and rural areas. By lowering financial barriers to advanced training, this legislation will make it more feasible for students to pursue specialties and, in turn, help bridge the care gap in areas where it’s needed most.
AAE is proud to lead the charge in advocating for policies that not only support our residents but also strengthen the future of dental care in America.
Visit the link below to support the REDI Act.