WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE PLAN?
To allow dental students committed to overseas mission service to pursue their professional education with financial stability, and to give focus and direction to this commitment. It is envisioned that students in this plan will have opportunity during holidays and vacations to participate in campus projects, outreach programs, and mission trips.
This plan has been designed for students at Loma Linda University only.
WHAT DOES A DEFERRED MISSION APPOINTMENT MEAN?
For those who meet the qualifications and are willing to accept a mission assignment, the General Conference votes that their appointment is deferred until the appointee has completed dental training.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
In exchange for the appointee's service in a Seventh-day Adventist health-care facility overseas, the funds borrowed during training will be amortized. A term of service for a family is five years and includes a one-month leave to the appointees home every year. The total allowable indebtedness, tuition plus books, supplies and instruments, will be amortized at a rate of approximately $35,000 per year.
WHO AMORTIZES THIS INDEBTEDNESS?
One-half is paid by the calling division/institution and the balance by the General Conference. This is done at the completion of each year of mission service.
WHERE WILL I SERVE WHEN I HAVE COMPLETED MY TRAINING?
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has a world-wide health-care organization. Many nations need trained dentists, and the deferred mission appointee helps staff institutions in many countries.
DO I HAVE A CHOICE WHERE I WILL SERVE?
People usually enjoy going where they would like to serve. If there is a preference of country, every endeavor will be made to assign the appointee to that division and country. If there is no preference, the appointee can wait and see where the needs are greatest and make a choice when ready to go.
WHAT KIND OF DENTAL WORKERS ARE NEEDED?
General dentistry is needed in dental clinics.
WILL I HAVE CONTACT WITH ANYONE FROM THE GENERAL CONFERENCE?
The Associate Secretaries of the General Conference who are liaison for the world divisions make yearly visits to the Loma Linda campus and appointments will be scheduled for the appointees to meet with them. Also, the General Conference Representative at Loma Linda is available for guidance and counsel. Dentists either at the General Conference or at the Loma Linda University who are familiar with mission service are also available for counsel.
HOW WILL I FUND MY EDUCATION AS A DEFERRED MISSION APPOINTEE?
Students must complete a Loma Linda University Financial Aid application each year. Then, keeping within the borrowing limit (tuition plus books, supplies and instruments each year), the Office of Financial Aid will award the low-interest loans first.
DENTAL STUDENTS BORROWING LIMITS:
During the 2012-2013:
- $68,364* (Dental freshman)
- $80,526* (Dental sophomore)
- $73,814* (Dental junior)
- $71,179* (Dental senior)
- Total: $293,883
Low-interest loans:
Loan/Period: Unsubsidized Stafford
Maximum Amount/Yr: Up to $47,167
Interest Rate: 6.8%
Deferrable/Grace: Yes/6 months
Loan/Period: Graduate PLUS Loan
Maximum Amount/Yr: Cost of Attendance
Interest Rate: 7.9%
Deferrable/Grace: Yes/6 months
Your aid advisor in the University Office of Financial Aid will work closely with you and guide you through the process of funding your education. Depending on your financial situation, you may even qualify for some scholarships.
HOW DO I PAY FOR LIVING EXPENSES?
If accepted into the program, deferred mission appointees will be given a living allowance for room, board and personal costs.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I CANNOT GO OVERSEAS OR IF THERE ARE NO OPENINGS AVAILABLE WHEN I AM READY TO GO?
If you are unable to serve or be placed as a DMA, loans and all accrued interest including any "living allowance" loans are your responsibility and must be paid to the lending agencies.
WILL MY SERVICES BE NEEDED AFTER THE AMORTIZATION IS COMPLETED?
Yes! It is hoped that workers will continue for another term or choose to become career missionaries. Their services are valuable because they are familiar with living in another culture and for the continuation of the patient/dentist relationship needed for quality care.
WHEN CAN I START THIS PROGRAM?
For freshman students, acceptance must await the completion of the first quarter of dental school. The applications are processed at the conclusion of the first quarter. Sophomore, junior, and senior students may apply at the same time.
HOW CAN I APPLY?
Applications are available in the General Conference Representative's office. The screening process will include a personal interview with the General Conference Representative on the Loma Linda campus, the Dean of Students of the School of Dentistry, as well as the Loma Linda University Student Financial Director. Recommendations are sent to the General Conference in Silver Spring, Maryland, for final approval.
IS LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY INTERESTED IN THE DEFERRED MISSION APPOINTMENT PROGRAM?
Yes. They want to know the students who are anticipating mission service. All applicants should schedule an appointment with William Hooker, PhD, Associate Dean, Student Affairs, School of Dentistry.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?
From the General Conference Representative's office located in the Alumni Center, Suite 220. The General Conference Representative on campus, Dr. William McGhee, and his secretary, Jocelyn Sonsona, welcome inquiries and will acquaint students with the program.
Office hours:
Monday through Thursday 8:00 am to 12:00 noon and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The office is closed on Fridays.
Phone: (909) 558-4563
Email: wmcghee@llu.edu or jsonsona@llu.edu