If you are concerned about debt, then is it a good investment to buy a house b/c that is debt? If you really like dentistry then it is a great investment. Go read some financial books like those by suze orman and others to find out about investing in the future. There is a difference in good debt and bad debt. If you graduate and buy a 330 BMW that is just stupid b/c that is bad debt, credit cards are bad debt. But if you invest 600K in yourself and a practice that is good debt. If you buy a practice that will let you earn 200K+/ year then how can that be a bad decision. If you are scared of taking on debt for some reason then I suggest dentistry isn't for you. Most dentists are still sole practicioners and went in to debt to buy or set up an office.
Here is something I've heard from acquaintances of mine about dentistry, "I thought about being a dentist, but it isn't as lucrative as it once was," this from people who make 50K/ year. My reply is, "It may not be as lucrative as it once was, but I still make a ton of money and only work 32 hours/ week."
Of my friends who are professionals in other fields and make 6 figures (doctors, attorneys), they tell me that they wish they became dentists after meeting me b/c they envy my lifestyle.
So your question of is it worth the debt? Yes it is. I'm almost 1 million in debt with school, a house, and practice, but I can service it and am in the top 1% of all households for wages according to the gov't.
