Delta Dental of Iowa announces first four recipients of revolving loan funds

Posted on October 6, 2026 in Foundation

JOHNSTON, IA (October 6, 2026) – Just months after launching the Delta Dental of Iowa Revolving Loan Fund, $1.25 million has been distributed to four rural dental practices, supporting 45 jobs while strengthening access to dental care in communities across Iowa. The Revolving Loan Fund was created in partnership with Iowa Area Development Group to provide financial assistance to dentists through low interest loans for practice acquisition or to establish a new practice in areas with a higher need for these services.

All four practice locations are in high-priority counties—recipients include Dr. Chris Marsho (Grinnell), Dr. Kevin Duque (Storm Lake), Dr. Kaleb Odden (Madrid), and Dr. Carter Coppinger (Earlham). Together, these projects represent more than $3.6 million in total investment and help preserve access to dental care in communities where local providers are vital to both community health and economic well-being.

The impact has been felt by participating dentists, many of whom cited the financing as a critical component to their ability to move forward with practice ownership. As one recipient shared, “I don’t know what I would have done without this loan.”

“We created the Revolving Loan Fund with the intention of removing barriers to practice ownership,” said Suzanne Heckenlaible, Vice President, Public Affairs for Delta Dental of Iowa. “What we’ve seen so far is an impact that extends far beyond individual dentists. The fund is providing resources needed for these providers to strengthen access to care, support local jobs, and invest in the long-term vitality of Iowa communities.”

Interest in the program exceeded expectations from the outset. During the first 30 days following launch, the fund received 18 pre-applications requesting more than $5 million in financing, demonstrating significant demand for funds to support rural dental practices. “Demand quickly surpassed the fund’s initial allocation, highlighting both the need for access-to-capital solutions and the importance of sustaining independent dental practices in underserved communities,” said Bruce Nuzum, President and CEO of Iowa Area Development Group (IADG). “The program continues to receive inquiries from dentists interested in future funding opportunities.”

About Delta Dental of Iowa Revolving Loan Fund

Launched in 2026, the Delta Dental of Iowa Revolving Loan Fund was created to help Iowa dentists start, purchase, or transition into private practice ownership by addressing financial barriers that can make practice ownership difficult. Administered by Development Partners Network (DPN), a subsidiary of IADG, the fund offers low-interest financing to invest in the long-term health of Iowa communities. As loans are repaid, funds will be reinvested in Iowa dentists, creating a sustainable resource to support Iowans access to dental care.

Learn more about the Delta Dental of Iowa Revolving Loan Fund.