HIBBING, Minn. (Northern News Now) - Northeast Minnesota communities struggling to attract dentists are getting help from a loan forgiveness program that’s drawing providers back to the region.

Dr. Colton Hudelson and his wife, also a dentist, chose to move back to Hudelson’s hometown of Hibbing after graduating from dental school at the University of Minnesota. He says their decision was influenced by the Martha Mordini Rukavina Loan Forgiveness Program.

“It was a decision we had to make together. Honestly, that loan forgiveness was a huge pull-up here for us,” said Hudelson.

The program is administered by the Minnesota Dental Association and funded by the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB). IRRRB Commissioner Ida Rukavina says the program began about 15 years ago wh

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