Money matters. Tuition, instruments, boards, books, living expenses. The expenses of dental school seem to add up, creating a seemingly insurmountable barrier. How, after enduring college and the associated expenses, can one afford to attend dental school? With many dental schools costing over $50,000 a year, a D.D.S./D.M.D. degree simply does not require only intelligence and diligence, it requires incredible finical resources. Most students, unlike their undergraduate experience, do not have the opportunity to work in order to have at least some money for living expenses. Instead, students are forced to accept that terrible “l” word (loan).
Financial Aid can be difficult to understand. The importance of the FASFA, the differences between PLUS and Stafford loans, and the other alternatives may not be clear when you start out. To help, this section presents some financial resources regarding lending, terminology, and the other forms of financial assistance that are available.
Financial Opportunities
Debt Management
American Dental Association Resources
ADA Benefits
- ADA Member Advantage (financial services for ADA members)
Financial Aid Information
- The National Assocation of Student Financial Aid Administrators
- U.S. Department of Education National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program
Scholarships and Grants
- Air Force Health Professional Scholarship
- Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students Program
- American College of Prosthodontists Ed. Foundation Scholarships
- ADA Foundation Dental Student Scholarship Program
- The Dr. Eugene M. Seidner Student Scholarship Program
- Scholarships Around the U.S.
- ADEA-Scholarships Awards and Fellowships
- ADEA-Federal Grants
- ADAF Programs (ADA.org)
- Edward B. Shils Award (ADA.org)
- Hillenbrand Fellowship (ADA.org)
- ADAF-Education, Scholarship and Fellowship Programs
- Student Financial Aid Guidelines
Federal Loans
Scholarships for Minority and Disadvantaged Students
- ADEA Opportunities for Minority Students in U.S. Dental Schools (publication for sale)
- Fellowships for Native Americans
- Indian Health Service Scholarships and Loan Repayment Programs
- NDAF/Colgate-Parmolive Scholarship Programs
Loan Repayment Programs
Types of Financial Aid