How will you pay for dental school?

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allantois said:
Just watch NYU start a predatory side business to finance the loans themselves. A lot of these schools are basically hedge funds with academics on a side
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Schools will probably partner with a private loan company to brand a "school loan".
 
JacquesVallee said:

Someone on Reddit asked about what schools have said about the BBB in their dental school interviews. The responses (or lack thereof) from the dental schools says it all: they don't have a plan. Really pulling for expensive dental schools to not be able to fill their classes.

Here's an interesting response: "I had 4 interviews. I brought it up in every single one. The general response was “eh not our problem”. One school was downright hostile and offended that I would dare consider the cost. You’re on your own with private student loans."
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I'm genuinely terrified. MIGHT HAVE TO GO TO CANADA OR PUERTO RICO 😭
 
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dentaldivaa said:
I want to be a dentist...so I kinda have to go.
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Pablo Sanchez said:
I think it’s more involved than simply saying “just go to your state medical school, it’s a better ROI”

Medical school is more competitive to get into. A lot of people go into dentistry because they couldn’t get into med school at all, let alone the cheap state medical school. Others didn’t want to spend all that time pursuing education. Part of what attracted me to dentistry was that you could do four additional years of school, be in your mid twenties, and make a good income working much fewer hours than a medical resident, for example. Some people have the personality for success in dentistry, which I would argue is different than the personality needed for success in medicine.

We don’t even have to get into my own success as an associate dentist and how I make more than my partner who is a physician. I know you guys are sick of hearing about that, but there are still valid reasons for someone wanting to pursue dentistry.

The problem is the cost. Which I whole-heartedly believe is a big problem, and I hope these predatory schools are forced to shut down. I hope pre-dents don’t blindly take on too much debt.

But it’s more complicated than “just go into medicine.” I came out ahead going into dentistry, and for someone who is looking and saying ok medicine isn’t an option for me for whatever reason, it’s worth it for them to consider dentistry. Just be mindful of the debt.
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There wasn’t a single person in my class that I know of that applied and was denied to Medical school. Actually, one was enrolled in med school and left to go in to dentistry. Let’s not make dental school seem second rate. It’s traded years with being more competitive.
 
D1Bound said:
There wasn’t a single person in my class that I know of that applied and was denied to Medical school. Actually, one was enrolled in med school and left to go in to dentistry. Let’s not make dental school seem second rate. It’s traded years with being more competitive.
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Yeah because those who wanted to and knew they couldn’t get into medical school realized it early enough to weed themselves out. How many people start college pre-med and how many get there? One of the stops after people decide not to pursue medicine is those people often consider dentistry.

Doesn’t mean nobody in dental school could get into medical school. Doesn’t mean there aren’t people who CHOOSE dentistry over medicine. I am one of the people who did. But in general, it is more competitive to get into a good medical school than a dental school.

I think medicine sucks and I couldn’t be happier I’m a dentist, but don’t kid yourself that it is generally viewed as a tier below medicine by the public.
 
michaeljj2021 said:
I just don't know if it makes sense from a private lender's perspective to give out 100k + in loans only for them to be paid back a decade later. Plus, I believe interest will compound in residency, so if it balloons to 800k, you're looking at almost 13k a month in repayment for another decade.
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Your second sentence answers the first: compounding interest makes it sensible enough for them to hand the money out
 
FeralisExtremum said:
Your second sentence answers the first: compounding interest makes it sensible enough for them to hand the money out
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Well, interest capitalizes (not compounds) at the end of the in-school period (ie, after completing the DDS/DMD program). Then, if I recall correctly, payment is required after 5 years of nonpayment, or 4 years in a DDS/DMD and 1 year in residency, regardless of income status.
 
SigmaFS said:
Well, interest capitalizes (not compounds) at the end of the in-school period (ie, after completing the DDS/DMD program). Then, if I recall correctly, payment is required after 5 years of nonpayment, or 4 years in a DDS/DMD and 1 year in residency, regardless of income status.
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I'm more or less financially illiterate but this is all semantics, when it comes to the debt after receiving a loan...number go up. Number go up fast.
 
JacquesVallee said:
I wonder if USC is checking the forums
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Here’s the thing. They may outlast others because they’re associated with a parent university with resources. I’m betting it’ll be one of these predatory schools that lacks big university resources. I just haven’t decided which one…

Big Hoss
 
Big Time Hoosier said:
Here’s the thing. They may outlast others because they’re associated with a parent university with resources. I’m betting it’ll be one of these predatory schools that lacks big university resources. I just haven’t decided which one…

Big Hoss
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this^
is it kcu that was started by the dso owner?
or the one in north carolina?
 
FeralisExtremum said:
Your second sentence answers the first: compounding interest makes it sensible enough for them to hand the money out
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Private student loans are dischargeable in bankruptcy under very limited circumstances. Paying close to 100% of your physician or dentist salary to a private loan company for your entire career would likely fall under “financial hardship” stipulations. Hence why they can’t give those loans out.
 
michaeljj2021 said:
Private student loans are dischargeable in bankruptcy under very limited circumstances. Paying close to 100% of your physician or dentist salary to a private loan company for your entire career would likely fall under “financial hardship” stipulations. Hence why they can’t give those loans out.
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That's why I think they may not want to give out loans for those extremely expensive dental schools. For the debt to income ratio, it just doesn't make sense.
 
JacquesVallee said:

Someone on Reddit asked about what schools have said about the BBB in their dental school interviews. The responses (or lack thereof) from the dental schools says it all: they don't have a plan. Really pulling for expensive dental schools to not be able to fill their classes.

Here's an interesting response: "I had 4 interviews. I brought it up in every single one. The general response was “eh not our problem”. One school was downright hostile and offended that I would dare consider the cost. You’re on your own with private student loans."
Click to expand...

Dental schools act like dentistry is God's gift to earth and is the primary most important thing in the world no if ands or buts
 
Mr.Smile12 said:
A bit late, but sharing the ASDA webinar "Navigating Student Loan Changes: What you Need to Know for Dental School." September 5, 2025.

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Unimpressed by what they said. No one addressed how students are supposed to repay their loans without IBR. Private loan interest rates weren’t discussed, nor were the consequences of what happens when graduates inevitably can’t pay them back. Their only concern seemed to be keeping money flowing to students, with zero regard for the long-term financial fallout. They just want to keep the house of cards standing. ASDA, the ADA, and every other organized dental group will never say, “Maybe you shouldn’t go to dental school.” Maybe the ADA could suggest, idk, making dental school affordable?

The only mildly interesting point was their mention that private lenders might offer income-based repayment plans. I find that highly suspect: these companies exist to make money, not to forgive debt. If such plans ever appear, expect them to be predatory rather than forgiving.

The response to this bill overall has been comical.
 
JacquesVallee said:
Unimpressed by what they said. No one addressed how students are supposed to repay their loans without IBR. Private loan interest rates weren’t discussed, nor were the consequences of what happens when graduates inevitably can’t pay them back. Their only concern seemed to be keeping money flowing to students, with zero regard for the long-term financial fallout. They just want to keep the house of cards standing. ASDA, the ADA, and every other organized dental group will never say, “Maybe you shouldn’t go to dental school.” Maybe the ADA could suggest, idk, making dental school affordable?

The only mildly interesting point was their mention that private lenders might offer income-based repayment plans. I find that highly suspect: these companies exist to make money, not to forgive debt. If such plans ever appear, expect them to be predatory rather than forgiving.

The response to this bill overall has been comical.
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I agree. There is absolutely no way private lenders are going to offer income-based repayment plans. Do you see banks offering income-based home mortgages or auto loans? Just like with casinos, everything will be in the banks’ favor.

The game is over and dental schools know it.

Big Hoss
 
Big Time Hoosier said:
I agree. There is absolutely no way private lenders are going to offer income-based repayment plans. Do you see banks offering income-based home mortgages or auto loans? Just like with casinos, everything will be in the banks’ favor.

The game is over and dental schools know it.

Big Hoss
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They may offer something they’ll call “income based repayment” but the reality is it will be something predatory that continues to decimate the students. I’d wager it would be taking as much money from students as possible without them defaulting, if they even offer this.

It is nice to take solace in the fact that this system is finally coming to an end within the decade. It’s nice to see Congress finally do something productive.
 
michaeljj2021 said:
Private student loans are dischargeable in bankruptcy under very limited circumstances. Paying close to 100% of your physician or dentist salary to a private loan company for your entire career would likely fall under “financial hardship” stipulations. Hence why they can’t give those loans out.
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Under very limited circumstances - given that these would be qualified educational loans, you'd likely have to satisfy the Brunner test, which is pretty rare. The loans a student would have to take for dentistry/medicine, while exorbitant, are still unlikely to be so high as to meet this standard given the reasonable earning potential. You're just saddled with a really unfavorable financial situation for a very long time.
 
FeralisExtremum said:
Under very limited circumstances - given that these would be qualified educational loans, you'd likely have to satisfy the Brunner test, which is pretty rare. The loans a student would have to take for dentistry/medicine, while exorbitant, are still unlikely to be so high as to meet this standard given the reasonable earning potential. You're just saddled with a really unfavorable financial situation for a very long time.
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it would be over 100% of a dentists yearly pre-tax income in some cases. How does that not meet the standard of undue financial hardship?
 
michaeljj2021 said:
it would be over 100% of a dentists yearly pre-tax income in some cases. How does that not meet the standard of undue financial hardship?
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In what situation are you projecting a monthly debt, even with exorbitant tuition (let's say $500k) and even with the high interest rates of a private loan (let's say 9-12%) that exceeds 100% of a dentist's monthly income?
 
JacquesVallee said:
I know you're a pre-dent. Don't put yourself in the position to even have to worry about this. Please, don't go to dental school.
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I think I’ve explained this before, but my post 200k expense will only be 10-15k a year. I’m talking in general here.
 
I watched most of the ASDA webinar. 2 points got my attention;
  1. The private loan representative stated their private loan program had an aggregate borrowing limit, including federal loan amounts, of $500k. So, if you need more than $500k to fund the 4th year of DS, say at NYU, USC, etc, you might be out of luck.
  2. Only a two-year deferment period - if you're in 3-year ortho program, you'll be required to pay back your 3rd year, not to mention you may not secure financing for the residency program to begin with.
 
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SigmaFS said:
The private loan representative stated their private loan program had an aggregate borrowing limit, including federal loan amounts, of $500k. So, if you need more than $500k to fund the 4th year of DS, say at NYU, USC, etc, you might be out of luck.
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Their limit being that high surprised me. I wish they would've talked more about what repayment looks like and what interest rates will be.
 
JacquesVallee said:
Their limit being that high surprised me. I wish they would've talked more about what repayment looks like and what interest rates will be.
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This is an article from some financial planners who have given some case studies. I'm also guessing that loan calculator websites are getting updated as soon as they have more details.

www.kitces.com

OBBBA Breakout Guide: Key Student Loan Changes To Know

This guide details key student loan changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) – New borrowing limits, Parent PLUS, RAP, and phasing out of IDR Plans.
www.kitces.com www.kitces.com
 
JacquesVallee said:
Their limit being that high surprised me. I wish they would've talked more about what repayment looks like and what interest rates will be.
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Yes, there wasn't much substance to the presentation, imo. With the anticipated reliance on private financing, the rep should have discussed details for qualifying. I have a sense that many students will need a co-signer to qualify, but no details were provided.
 
New_Vegas said:
I would strongly urge anyone who is even remotely interested in medicine to choose that over dentistry.
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I’ve reached the point in my career where I can’t enthusiastically encourage this profession anymore. The knowledge base of fixing teeth is still really cool. Most everything about the humans attached to those teeth and the humans you have to work with has gotten worse over my career. These things are not much better over in the medical world either, but there seem to be more opportunities to pivot out of a career in medicine than there is in dentistry.
 
gryffindor said:
I’ve reached the point in my career where I can’t enthusiastically encourage this profession anymore. The knowledge base of fixing teeth is still really cool. Most everything about the humans attached to those teeth and the humans you have to work with has gotten worse over my career. These things are not much better over in the medical world either, but there seem to be more opportunities to pivot out of a career in medicine than there is in dentistry.
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Would you say every people facing profession face the same worsening in most everything about the humans?
 
702 said:
Would you say every people facing profession face the same worsening in most everything about the humans?
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No. You are working directly in people’s mouths. People underestimate how stressful dentistry really is. I didn’t fully appreciate the fact that you spend a lot of time listening to people’s problems all day every day. Patients behaviour has definitely deteriorated to what it once was. Sometimes, I feel like I’m working at a nail salon, where I have to listen to a different strangers problems every 20min.
 
gryffindor said:
I’ve reached the point in my career where I can’t enthusiastically encourage this profession anymore. The knowledge base of fixing teeth is still really cool. Most everything about the humans attached to those teeth and the humans you have to work with has gotten worse over my career. These things are not much better over in the medical world either, but there seem to be more opportunities to pivot out of a career in medicine than there is in dentistry.
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As a GD, the worst part was the patient interaction by far.
 
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