Don't be afraid of taking out a loan. Looks like you have been very responsible by working and trying to pay for your own education so you know exactly how much money you need to take out. Some people go crazy and take out the max so they can live like doctors now. Make sure to take only what you need to cover tuition, books, food, rent, just the basics.
Some of these loans, Stafford or Perkins loans have small or no interest until you graduate. You don't want to fall behind just because you did not borrow to take more classes. Also keep in mind if you are working and going to school and your grades are showing that, try limiting your work schedule (might mean taking more money out) so you can have the best grades. This will later translate into you getting into a good dental school right after college. The faster you finish dent school the sooner you can start earning $$$. Also keep in mind some of these loans have no interest while you are in school so if you go right to dent school you will not have to start paying.
I had to borrow for grad school, currently with about 20K in debt. There are MANY people who enter dent school with loans from undergrad and they survive. Dentist have a lower default rate then MDs because many choose to do general dentistry right after school, while MDs need residency and fellowships.
Good luck to you.
