At Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation, we are committed to expanding access to quality dental care for all Virginians. We accomplish this through various statewide partnerships and community-based programs including our Loan Repayment Program, an initiative designed to support dentists and dental hygienists who dedicate at least one year of service to providing care for uninsured and Medicaid patients.
Eligible dentists may receive up to $20,000, and dental hygienists up to $10,000, in loan repayment assistance in exchange for one year of service with a safety net clinic. In 2024, we provided $236,000 in Loan Repayments, benefiting 10 dentists and four dental hygienists across Virginia.
Making an Impact: Dr. Krystal Mattox’s Story
Dr. Krystal Mattox, a Loan Repayment Program recipient, exemplifies the program’s impact. As a general dentist at Richmond’s Daily Planet Health Services, she provides compassionate, high-quality dental care to those who need it most. Many of her patients, including children, face significant barriers to accessing dental services.
“For me, practicing dentistry has always been about more than just teeth. It’s about transforming lives,” says Dr. Mattox. “Thanks to the Loan Repayment Program, I can focus entirely on my patients without the overwhelming burden of student debt.”
At Daily Planet, Dr. Mattox often treats patients experiencing homelessness or financial hardship. She sees firsthand how lack of access to dental care can lead to severe oral health issues, particularly in children. The ability to provide preventive care at no cost for families living at or below the Federal Poverty Level ($32,150 annually for a family of four) is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.
Shaping the Future of Dentistry
Beyond patient care, Dr. Mattox serves as the Dental Education Coordinator at Daily Planet, mentoring VCU dental students during their clinical rotations. She hopes to inspire the next generation of dentists to pursue careers in public health.
“It’s deeply gratifying to encourage these students to see how meaningful and rewarding it is to serve their community,” she shares. “My hope is that they leave with the same passion and commitment to making a difference.”
A Life-Changing Program
Recently, Dr. Mattox achieved a major personal milestone of paying off her student loans, with the help of our Loan Repayment Program. The relief, she says, is indescribable.
“Logging into my Loan Servicer account and seeing my updated status was an emotional moment. Programs like this make it possible for me to continue serving my community without the constant worry of financial strain. Your advocacy and support have made a tangible difference in my life, and for that, I will be forever grateful.”
The Loan Repayment Program is not only addressing Virginia’s dental workforce shortage but also ensuring that more people receive the dental care they need. Delta Dental of Virginia is proud to support professionals like Dr. Mattox, who are making a lasting impact in their communities.
