Delta Dental of Iowa announces Revolving Loan Fund
Posted on February 18, 2026 in Foundation
Delta Dental of Iowa proudly announces the launch of a new revolving loan fund for Iowa dentists that will solidify access to oral health care in Iowa communities. Delta Dental’s initial $2 million contribution will support dentists in establishing or acquiring private practices in Iowa.
As rising education costs and limited access to capital make private practice ownership more difficult for dentists, the Delta Dental of Iowa Revolving Loan Fund is designed to support practice continuity, ownership transitions, and expanded access to care in Iowa, with a focus in rural areas.
“Delta Dental of Iowa is excited to announce the launch of this bold initiative to support Iowa’s dentists,” said April Schmaltz, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Iowa. “We have heard from dentists that down payments to secure full financing to build or purchase a private practice can be a hurdle to ownership. We want to support Iowa dentists in their long-term success by helping them bridge that gap.”
The Delta Dental of Iowa Revolving Loan Fund was created in partnership with Iowa Area Development Group (IADG) and its subsidiary Development Partners Network (DPN), a non-profit economic development organization, that will serve as the fund’s administrator. DPN/IADG will be responsible for the collection of loan applications, financial review, and funding recommendations. Delta Dental and IADG have an existing partnership supporting Iowa dentists since 2008 through the Fulfilling Iowa’s Need for Dentists (FIND) Project, an education loan repayment program for dentists.
The revolving loan fund will offer loans ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 at a fixed 1% interest rate, with a term of five to ten years. Eligible applicants include licensed Iowa dentists purchasing an existing practice or establishing a new private practice with up to three locations. While dentists in all Iowa counties are eligible, priority will be given to applicants located in the FIND high priority and priority counties where access to care is most at risk.
“The revolving loan fund is beneficial in several ways,” said Schmaltz. “First, it was designed to support business succession. Second, it can also be used as a valuable recruiting tool for communities working to attract dentists to their area. And finally, the fund allows us to invest in the health and smiles of Iowans by supporting the expansion of private practice dentists into more rural areas, where access can be difficult.”
“IADG has decades of experience managing revolving loan funds both directly and in partnership with other professional organizations,” said Bruce Nuzum, president of IADG. “We are excited to take this next step with our partner Delta Dental of Iowa to support private dental practices, promote successful ownership transitions and start-ups, and ensure that dental offices can continue serving communities state-wide. Not only do thriving dental practices deliver essential health services, but they also contribute to the vitality of local economies through job creation and supporting other community businesses. We look forward to working with Iowa dentists to bring their dream of owning a successful practice to life and strengthening the economic well-being of Iowa’s communities.”
The revolving loan fund is the latest addition to Delta Dental of Iowa and its Foundation’s multi-pronged approach to supporting Iowa’s dentists. It joins a list of programs that include: IADAPT, a mental health program for dentists; Fulfilling Iowa’s Need for Dentists (FIND) Project, which includes an educational loan repayment program for dentists; dental education workforce infrastructure investments; as well as other community-based initiatives.
Learn more about the Delta Dental of Iowa Revolving Loan Fund.