Three Iowa dentists receive loan repayment awards from FIND Project

Posted on March 9, 2026 in Foundation

Three Iowa dentists are the 2026 recipients of educational loan repayment awards from the Fulfilling Iowa’s Need for Dentists (FIND) project, a collaborative public-private partnership.

This program engages dentists to establish dental practices in designated Iowa priority counties and areas where access to dental care is limited. Recipients must devote a percentage of their practice to individuals who disproportionately face barriers to access care such as those enrolled in Medicaid, older adults, and other historically underserviced populations.

Since Delta Dental began the Loan Repayment program in 2002, 63 private-practice dentists have received awards and have provided 369,133 patient visits and more than 1,006,992 dental services to underserved Iowans in priority counties.

"The FIND program is an essential component for recruiting and keeping dentists in high-need areas," said April Schmaltz, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Iowa. "With our partners' support, Delta Dental of Iowa is proud to help fund this initiative. We look forward to the positive impact these three dentists will have on their communities."

Initial investments in a dental practice are significant, and the FIND project can help dentists to establish their practices. The average new practice can require $500,000 for construction costs or remodeling of an existing facility, along with new equipment and technology purchases. This is in addition to educational debt, which for most dentists averages more than $300,000. 

Based on the status of their practicing counties, FIND recipients receive up to $125,000 (priority county) or $200,000 (high priority county) in educational loan repayment in exchange for a five-year service commitment. This support includes up to $120,000 or $195,000 toward student loan debt from Delta Dental of Iowa and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, along with a community match of $5,000.

The 2026 FIND award recipients include:

• Dr. Abigail Thomas, Louscher Family Dentistry, Algona – Dr. Thomas graduated from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics in 2025 and is committed to improving access to care for Iowans in northern Iowa. Her clinical training at Broadlawns Medical Center and volunteer service with the Iowa Mission of Mercy reflect a strong dedication to caring for individuals and communities who may face barriers to dental services. Dr. Thomas was named the 2025 Eugene Young Award recipient in recognition of her professionalism, dedication to high-quality care for all patients, and commitment to serving Iowa communities.
• Dr. Darrian Ward, Louscher Family Dentistry, Emmetsburg – Dr. Ward graduated from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics in 2025 and practices in Emmetsburg, where the clinic’s location adjacent to Palo Alto Hospital and Nursing Facility supports coordinated, community-based care. His training focused on serving patients with diverse needs, including individuals served by Medicaid, immigrants, and older adults, with experience in geriatric oral health through nursing home outreach and preventive care services.
• Dr. Kayla Carrothers, Speltz, Wernimont & Carrothers Family Dentistry, New Hampton – Dr. Carrothers graduated from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics in 2023, practices in New Hampton, and is known for her commitment to making dental care accessible for all community members. She has experience caring for older adults, patients with complex health needs, and individuals for whom English is not their first language. Community members and colleagues recognize Dr. Carrothers for her compassion and dedication to treating patients with dignity, especially those who have had difficulty accessing dental care in the past.

FIND project partners include Delta Dental of Iowa and the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Iowa Area Development Group, Iowa Dental Association, the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, as well as numerous local organizations.

The Loan Repayment Program is a component of a multi-pronged approach by Delta Dental of Iowa and its Foundation in supporting Iowa’s dentists. It joins a list of programs that include: IADAPT, a mental health program for dentists; Delta Dental of Iowa Revolving Loan Fund, which provides a 1% interest loan to support dentists in establishing or acquiring private practices in Iowa; dental education workforce infrastructure investments, as well as other community-based initiatives. For more information, visit www.iowafindproject.com.