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Hello all, serious question here.
I will be applying to dental school next cycle (I do have the academic background to have a good shot at getting accepted) and as I am looking at the dental market out there vs. tuition, it was kinda saddening..... but whatevs I figured if dentistry is what I feel strongly called to do then I should do it. That being said, I, for my personal economic situation realize I either have to go with NHSC or HPSP, to be completely honest I am totally up for serving others. So it is not only a financial decision for me, I genuinely believe in both causes.
Now here is the question, God-willing, I will be most likely starting a family during dental school, so as I am weighting out the pros and cons to both programs, for me the deciding factor is my family's well being. So, between NHSC and HPSP which will "guarantee" a better environment for my wife and future kids? I ask because I get the idea that many people refer to the military life as being "subpar," but then I think about living in a rural or inner-city underserved community and doesn't sound any better.
From your experience which has the upside between the two programs in each of the following criteria (in order of most to least important to me)? And why?
1) Wife and small children everyday safety (taking into account dangerous underserved cities I may have to work in)
2) Family time (taking into account working hours and more than likely deployment(s))
2) Social atmosphere (since I'd be mostly be working during the week, don't want my wife and kids to be miserable between four walls)
3) Early education (pre-k, kindergarten, elementary)
4) Job opportunities for wife (dental assistant)
BONUS) as a dentist, gives me a better scope of practice to hone done my dental skills after graduation (better prepare me for the "real world")
Thanks a bunch for you input.
P.S. how do you guys see the PSLF program playing out in a couple of years? Do you still think it'll stand through time? Any updates? I guess we'll have a better idea come 2017, but please feel free to give me your opinion or research you have on this. It is also something I am strongly considering but I am not sure if the program will pull through at the end. Btw, I am also aware of the Loan repayment option (no scholarship) with NHSC, but I rather go through dental school knowing my loans will be taken care of.
I will be applying to dental school next cycle (I do have the academic background to have a good shot at getting accepted) and as I am looking at the dental market out there vs. tuition, it was kinda saddening..... but whatevs I figured if dentistry is what I feel strongly called to do then I should do it. That being said, I, for my personal economic situation realize I either have to go with NHSC or HPSP, to be completely honest I am totally up for serving others. So it is not only a financial decision for me, I genuinely believe in both causes.
Now here is the question, God-willing, I will be most likely starting a family during dental school, so as I am weighting out the pros and cons to both programs, for me the deciding factor is my family's well being. So, between NHSC and HPSP which will "guarantee" a better environment for my wife and future kids? I ask because I get the idea that many people refer to the military life as being "subpar," but then I think about living in a rural or inner-city underserved community and doesn't sound any better.
From your experience which has the upside between the two programs in each of the following criteria (in order of most to least important to me)? And why?
1) Wife and small children everyday safety (taking into account dangerous underserved cities I may have to work in)
2) Family time (taking into account working hours and more than likely deployment(s))
2) Social atmosphere (since I'd be mostly be working during the week, don't want my wife and kids to be miserable between four walls)
3) Early education (pre-k, kindergarten, elementary)
4) Job opportunities for wife (dental assistant)
BONUS) as a dentist, gives me a better scope of practice to hone done my dental skills after graduation (better prepare me for the "real world")
Thanks a bunch for you input.
P.S. how do you guys see the PSLF program playing out in a couple of years? Do you still think it'll stand through time? Any updates? I guess we'll have a better idea come 2017, but please feel free to give me your opinion or research you have on this. It is also something I am strongly considering but I am not sure if the program will pull through at the end. Btw, I am also aware of the Loan repayment option (no scholarship) with NHSC, but I rather go through dental school knowing my loans will be taken care of.
