1 answer
Yara
Student
West Linn, Oregon
1
Question
Updated
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As a future dentistry student, how do most pre-dental students navigate the financial burden of dental school, and are there any specific strategies or programs that help them?
I am an 18 year old rising college freshman and have been interested in pursuing dentistry throughout all four years of high school. I am convinced this profession will not only help me serve my community but also help give me a bigger understanding of collaboration and communication. I already have experience volunteering at a hospital and have frequent visits with my orthodontist but I am just worried about paying for this professions education as I am aware it will not only take a long time and be difficult, it will also cost a pretty penny.
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1 answer
Brett Schlifstein
Anesthesiologist
30
Answers
Pittsboro, North Carolina
Updated
Brett’s Answer
Hello Yara,
I don't have any experience with dental school, but I would imagine that it would similar to medical school. Both career paths have long and expensive educational requirements. The good news is that reimubrsement upon completion is generally high. However, it is still possible to accumulate debt that is difficult or impossible to overcome.
I would recomment looking at state versus private schools. There are many state schools with excellent academic reputations that can do a great job of preparing you for dental school at a fraction of the price of a private university. Scholarships are available from a great variety of organizations, so those are well worth looking into. It's ok to generate some debt in the form of student loans, but one needs to be careful.
Another option is military scholarships. ROTC will pay for full tuition, and admission at one of the service academies covers room and board as well. Of course there is a pay back period after completion of education. However, this can be a time of valuable experience, and it's a great way to finish your education with little or no debt.
Hope that helps, and good luck!
Brett Schlifstein, M.D.
Anesthesia Director
ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital
I don't have any experience with dental school, but I would imagine that it would similar to medical school. Both career paths have long and expensive educational requirements. The good news is that reimubrsement upon completion is generally high. However, it is still possible to accumulate debt that is difficult or impossible to overcome.
I would recomment looking at state versus private schools. There are many state schools with excellent academic reputations that can do a great job of preparing you for dental school at a fraction of the price of a private university. Scholarships are available from a great variety of organizations, so those are well worth looking into. It's ok to generate some debt in the form of student loans, but one needs to be careful.
Another option is military scholarships. ROTC will pay for full tuition, and admission at one of the service academies covers room and board as well. Of course there is a pay back period after completion of education. However, this can be a time of valuable experience, and it's a great way to finish your education with little or no debt.
Hope that helps, and good luck!
Brett Schlifstein, M.D.
Anesthesia Director
ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital
Thank you so much for the advice.
Yara