Two Iowa Dentists Receive Loan Repayment Awards from FIND Project to Increase Access to Dental Care

Posted on March 17, 2025 in Corporate

Two Iowa dentists are the 2025 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 354,000 patient visits and more than 955,000 dental services to underserved Iowans in priority counties.  

"The FIND program plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining dentists in areas with critical need," said April Schmaltz, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Iowa. "With the support of our public-private partners, Delta Dental of Iowa is proud to help fund these efforts. We're excited to see the positive impact these two dentists will have as they deliver essential dental services to those in need in their community and surrounding areas." 

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 funding in return for a five-year commitment. This includes $120,000 or $195,000 from Delta Dental of Iowa and Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, respectively, and a community match of $5,000.  

The 2025 FIND award recipients include:  

Dr. David Lyle, East Des Moines Dental, Des Moines – Dr. Lyle is from Des Moines and completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Iowa. After receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2019, he joined his dad’s practice as an associate. In July 2021, he became the sole owner of East Des Moines Dental. 

Dr. Lauren Schau, Wildflower Kids Dentistry, Dubuque – Dr. Schau graduated from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics in 2016. After completing a General Practice Residency in Minnesota 2017, she worked in private practice in New Mexico and at Primary Health Care in Marshalltown. In 2023, she joined an existing children’s practice and became the sole owner in 2024, renaming it Wildflower Kids Dentistry.  

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 Delta Dental of Iowa’s Community Impact program that invests in projects that strengthen and transform the health and smiles of all Iowans. For more information, visit www.iowafindproject.com.