Now that I've actually made it into dental school (1st year), the reality of the amount of loans that I'm taking on is causing me a lot of distress. And since I like to worry, I've started to think about the near future.
I know that most students from my school either pursue a GPR or specialty training after graduation. I'm all for specializing if I become interested in a particular field and have the grades at the end of my 4 years to apply, but currently I'm looking at going into general dentistry. However, although people talk about associateships that make a decent amount of money, I worry about the experience that you get which may limit your long term success. Therefore, GPR sounds like a good option. However, you almost make nothing during that year, and along with your previous debt, the picture isn't very pretty.
I don't have family members that own a practice, nor do I have the ability to take my time in too much schooling without good pay since i have family that will need my financial assistance asap. I guess my question is, do you think the additional year of GPR is worth it or can you get just as much out of an associateship and start repaying your loans earlier.
I'm also considering the AF HSPS scholarship, but the 2 years (if there is one) so that I can use those years and maybe an additional AEGD to gain more experience before I get into a partnership or associateship role.
Any comments would be appreciated, I am just talking out loud here and would like to talk about what you guys think are the pros and cons of each and what you guys are thinking about at this point.
Thanks!
I know that most students from my school either pursue a GPR or specialty training after graduation. I'm all for specializing if I become interested in a particular field and have the grades at the end of my 4 years to apply, but currently I'm looking at going into general dentistry. However, although people talk about associateships that make a decent amount of money, I worry about the experience that you get which may limit your long term success. Therefore, GPR sounds like a good option. However, you almost make nothing during that year, and along with your previous debt, the picture isn't very pretty.
I don't have family members that own a practice, nor do I have the ability to take my time in too much schooling without good pay since i have family that will need my financial assistance asap. I guess my question is, do you think the additional year of GPR is worth it or can you get just as much out of an associateship and start repaying your loans earlier.
I'm also considering the AF HSPS scholarship, but the 2 years (if there is one) so that I can use those years and maybe an additional AEGD to gain more experience before I get into a partnership or associateship role.
Any comments would be appreciated, I am just talking out loud here and would like to talk about what you guys think are the pros and cons of each and what you guys are thinking about at this point.
Thanks!
