You're going to get biased opinions on that from those who took on the military scholarships, as well.
This is what I was told straight up from someone. If you have a vested interest in serving, by all means go for it. If you did not have any interest in serving, do not do it. You can make up the loan money in other ways.
1. Scholarships. Look for those that pay based on your state of residence, ethinicity, interests, etc.
2. NHSC scholarship. Agree to work for underserved areas in the US (I believe it's your choice) and they pay your tuition (not sure how much). You work for X amount of years for them at $X salary, and you get benefits and such. You can choose to stay with the NHSC or go on your merry way after you've fulfilled your contract.
http://nhsc.bhpr.hrsa.gov/
This option must be applied for and you need to be accepted by them. It's not as easy as getting a loan. I also believe you need to do well your first year to get into this program.
3. Consolidate your loans when you graduate. Locks in your interest rate, moves all your loans to one bank (the qualifying loans...not sure which qualify and which don't. Also not sure on how often you can consolidate). It also reduces your monthly payments and extends repayment to 30 years.
4. There are GPR programs out there that are 2 years, and they pay your 4th year cost of education. You get a healthy stipend during those 2 years during the GPR, so it works out pretty well. It's like paying for 3 years of dental school and working 3 years in a residency that pays $50,000/year ($70K 4th year, $40K/year GPR = $70K + $40K + $40K = $150K over three years)
5. If you're lucky enough, find a sponsor to help you through your dental school.
6. Win the lottery.
