How to Pay for Dental School
Dentists diagnose problems with the tissues of the mouth and teeth and help prevent future problems that can affect a person's overall health. As a result, the medical nature of dentistry requires the completion of an accredited dental program. An accredited dental education can cost between $183,596 and $312,040, according to data collected by the American Dental Association. Several merit-based and needs-based financing options are available, which offer a number of repayment options and interest rates.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Obtain a copy of your credit report and review your FICO scores. This is important should you need to request private loans to fund your education. Maintain an above-average credit score, pay off all consumer debt and do not take no new debt during your education.
-
2
Create a cost of attendance document that outlines your estimated expenses. At minimum, the document should include tuition, room and board, meals, books and supplies, transportation and personal expenses, such as personal care products and clothing. Add the estimated expenses together to arrive at the total cost of attendance.
-
-
3
Go to the National Student Loan Data System (see Resources) to review your borrowing history. The aggregate Stafford Loan from undergraduate through dental school cannot exceed $189,125. Take note of the amount borrowed to date for future reference.
-
4
Apply online for financial aid (see Resources) by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The financial aid program offers a combination of financial products including subsidized and unsubsidized loans, grants, work study and scholarships. Completion of the FAFSA provides information to the federal government for several loans, including the Stafford and Perkins loans.
-
5
Apply for the Health Professions Student Loan (HPSL) at the school you intend to matriculate. The HPSL provides a low-interest loan product to dental students who qualify and demonstrate a financial need.
-
6
Apply for a Direct PLUS loan, which allows a maximum of your cost of attendance minus any additional aid you receive. A successful application requires a good credit rating and payment can be deferred until you graduate from school.
-
1
References
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Health Professions Student Loans
- University of Maryland: Stafford Loan Borrowing Limits
- U.S. Department of Education: Federal Perkins Loan Program
- Federal Student Aid: Direct PLUS Loans for Graduate and Professional Degree Students
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Financing Dental Education: Public Policy Interests, Issues and Strategic Considerations
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas: Planning and Financing Your Dental School Education
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
