Financial Aid Opportunities for Dental Students – Pre-Health/Pre-Law Advising Center

Information on this page was compiled from the American Dental Association (ADA) website, American Dental Education Association (ADEA) website, the American Student Dental Association (ASDA).

According to the ADEA, the average dental student graduates with more than $290,000 of debt. It is important for students to plan ahead to minimize their educational expenses. Students are encouraged to do their own research to find financial opportunities that are of interest to them. For financial planning tips from the ADA, click here. For a video from the ADEA on financing your dental education, click here.

Loan Repayment Programs and Resources

Click here to download a list from the ADEA of federal and state programs that offer loan repayment assistance. This form of repayment is often in exchange for services in a healthcare shortage area.

Federal Loan Programs for Dental Students

Federally Funded Scholarships

Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students

National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program

Dental students may compete for NHSC scholarships beginning their sophomore and junior years. The program offers payment of tuition and fees, books, supplies, and equipment and includes a monthly stipend. In exchange, they must agree to provide oral health services for a minimum of two years in any underserved community identified by the NHSC as being a critical need area.

Learn more information here. For more information, contact NHSC, 800-221-9393.

Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarships (HPSP)

The U.S. Armed Services offers scholarships to dental students that pay for tuition and fees, books, and a monthly stipend. The active duty obligation is one year of service for each year of scholarship support with a minimum of three years of active duty service. Scholarships are available annually from all service branches. For more information, contact the individual branches of service or view the websites for these organizations:

Private Organization Scholarships

ADAF Awards Program

ASDA Scholarships

Others - Financial Aid for Academic Dentistry

Income Driven Repayment Plans (IDRs)

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

This government program will forgive any remaining federal debt for borrowers after 10 years of qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while the borrower works for an eligible PSLF employer. The forgiveness amount with PSLF is not considered taxable income, so it is a great way for borrowers working in the public sector to eliminate their debt after a relatively short period of time. Eligible employers include nonprofit organizations such as teaching hospitals and academic institutions. For more information, click here.