Are you aspiring to be a dentist? Are you wondering how you can finance your dental journey? This article is for you! Dentistry is a great career choice with good pay. However, it comes at a cost, and funding your college education might prove challenging. Luckily, there are ways to combat this. Read below to learn essential tips to help you finance your dental school.
1. Use Your Savings
Demand for dentistry services is on the rise. 70% of people in the U.S. feel insecure about their teeth. As a result, more people seek professional dental services to enhance their oral health. A financial reward comes after qualifying to practice dentistry – hence it’s worth investing your savings in. You can use your savings while considering other financing options if you can’t finance your education fully.
2. Apply For Financial Aid From Your School
Once you get the admission letter from the school of your choice, visit their financial aid offices. Ask if they offer dental scholarships and grants and inquire about the requirements. The eligibility is usually based on merit or need. While some scholarships, like the National Health Service Corps scholarship and the armed forces, may require a commitment, typically, you are not required to repay it in the future.
3. Consider Federal Loans
Federal loans are an excellent way to finance your education. These funds come directly from the federal government. However, unlike scholarships and grants, the loan must be repaid, typically starting six months after graduation. Fortunately, that shouldn’t be a problem once you get a job, which is almost guaranteed. According to a poll on honesty and ethics, dentistry ranks among the ten most trusted and ethical professions in the United States.
4. Apply For Private Dental Scholarships and Loans
Private dental scholarships are another fantastic way to fund your education. For example, you can find scholarships online via the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) scholarships section to pursue advanced programs like Sedation Dentistry. Sedation dentistry is designed specifically for patients who are otherwise nervous, anxious, or downright scared of a visit to the dentist. It’s estimated that 15% of Americans are anxious about or fearful of the dentist. Knowing this, you may feel even more driven to become a dentist and make your patients feel as comfortable and safe as possible. This can only be done after completing school, so be sure to stick with it!
5. Join Fellowships And Traineeship Programs
Your school’s financial aid is the best place to get information about fellowships and traineeships programs available. The programs have a deadline, eligibility requirements, and terms of conditions. Some programs will help you pay for textbooks, materials, and living expenses. For example, the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) offers six programs annually. It is essential you investigate before committing.
6. Consider Part-time Working Programs
Even though the dental school curriculum is demanding, with a planned schedule, you can work part-time to supplement your education costs. These programs are available for both graduate and undergraduate students in financial need but are competitive and demanding. Ensure you check their terms and conditions as well as the eligibility requirement. Your school’s financial aid office can inform you when a federal work-study program is available. The government also offers federal work-study programs to qualified students.
7. Request Loans from Financial Institutions
Consider private loans offered through financial institutions like banks and credit unions. The loan rates may vary depending on your financial credibility. Go for a loan facility with friendly rates for a student. Be sure to do ample research!
Dentistry is a fulfilling career. It is a good way of helping people maintain a healthy lifestyle by caring for their oral health. You now know the various options when paying for your dental education. Go for one that fits your future financial plans and sounds less overwhelming to your financial muscle.