Figuring out how to pay for dental school can seem intimidating, but today’s financing options can help eliminate stress. Most students pay for dental school through a combination of personal savings, gift aid and loans.
Average Dental School Cost of Attendance
Before diving into financing options, it is important to consider average costs of attendance for dental school so you can better understand the full picture. Cost of attendance will differ by several factors including school, dental specialty, location, whether you’re an in-state resident, or out-of-state student.
This chart will give you a good idea of the averages between public and private schools for first year dental students.
Average U.S. Dental School Tuition and Fees, 2024-25
| Type of Enrollment | Cost |
|---|---|
| Public Institution, Resident | $46,865 |
| Public Institution, Non-Resident | $76,060 |
| Private Institution | $87,078 |
Obviously, this is just a snapshot. Your financial aid award letter will give you more specific figures based on your program.
Total Cost for Dental Students
According to the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), the Class of 2024 dental school graduates had an average of $312,700 in debt. This amount does not reflect residency and relocation loans.
Paying for Your Dental Education
Several programs exist to help you pay for your dental education. While some of your financial aid may include scholarships, most dental students need to borrow loans to help cover costs.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for any federal loans, you’ll need to start by filing the FAFSA. Dental school is considered a professional program which means you may qualify for higher loan limits in the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan or the Health Professions Student Loan (with demonstrated financial need).
Federal Loans for Dental School
Here is a side by side comparison of federal loans for dental students (i.e. professional students).
| Direct Unsubsidized Loan | Health Professions Student Loan (HPSL) | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Limit | $50,000 | Up to the cost of attendance |
| Aggregate Limit | $200,000 (Does not include amounts borrowed as an undergraduate) | Based on need |
| Interest Rate | 7.94 | 0% in school, 5% during repayment |
| Fees | 1.057 | None |
| Grace Period | 6 months | 12 months |
H.R.1 established new loan limits effective July 1, 2026
Private Loans for Dental School
Private student loans can help bridge the gap when federal loans or scholarships are not enough. Most lenders require that you be enrolled at least half time at an accredited dental school, and that you be pursuing a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine (DMD). Interest rates will vary by lender and by rate type (fixed vs variable). In today’s market, you can expect to find rates from around 3% to 17%.
Dental School Loans for International Students
Are you an international dental student studying in the U.S.? Unfortunately, you do not qualify for federal student aid. But some private lenders may offer international loans if you apply with a creditworthy U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.
Financial Aid Office
Your school’s financial aid office is a great source of help with both free aid (institutional grants, scholarships, fellowships) and loans (federal and private). The financial aid office may even be in touch with local donors whose scholarships are not in a national database.
Grants and Scholarships
Grants and scholarships for dental students are either merit based or need based. Merit based is centered on your academic or extracurricular achievements whereas need based is based on financial need. Here are some options to get you started:
Scholarships for Dental School
Dental Trade Alliance Foundation Scholarship
- Sponsor: The Robert J. Sullivan Family Foundation
- Eligibility: Full time dental students in good academic standing with demonstrated financial need and a strong interest in community service/charitable work.
- Award: Up to $25,000 (starting at $5,000)
ADA Foundation Leadership Award
- Sponsor: The American Dental Association (ADA) Foundation and Crest Oral-B
- Eligibility: Degree candidate enrolled in DDS, DMD, PhD, MPH, MS or equivalent program who is also involved in oral health research in preventive dentistry.
- Award: $5,000
NHSC Scholarship Program
- Sponsor: The National Health Resources and Services Administration (NHSC)
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled full-time in an accredited dental program (pursuing a DDS or DDM), with eligibility to serve in the NHSC at an approved employment site.
- Award: Up to cost of full-time enrollment (varies)
ADEA Crest Oral-B Scholarship for Predoctoral Dental Students
- Sponsor: The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and Procter & Gamble Company
- Eligibility: Full time pre-doctoral dental students enrolled at an accredited program in the U.S. or Canada, having completed at least one program year. Show commitment to an academic career in dental education.
- Award: Up to $5,500
ADEA/Haleon Preventive Dentistry Scholarship
- Sponsor: The American Dental Education Association (ADEA)/Haleon
- Eligibility: Full time pre-doctoral dental students enrolled at an accredited program in the U.S. or Canada, having completed at least one program year. Demonstrate a strong interest in preventive dentistry.
- Award: Up to $2,500 (total of 12 scholarships available)
Dental Loan Repayment Programs
There are some unique repayment assistance programs for dental students. However, this should not be confused with repayment plans for your federal and/or private student loans. Here are a couple of loan repayment options to explore:
NHSC Loan Repayment Program
- Sponsor: The National Health Resources and Services Administration (NHSC)
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are fully trained and licensed to practice oral care and are eligible for federal employment. Employed by or have accepted a position at an NHSC approved site.
- Award: Up to $50,000 per year for a 2-year service obligation
Public Health Dentist Loan Repayment Program
- Sponsor: Delta Dental Foundation
- Eligibility: Fully trained and licensed to practice as a DDS or DMD in Michigan, Ohio, or Indiana. Agree to provide services for at least one year at an eligible practice site.
- Award: Up to $25,000 per year which can be renewed annually for 3 years maximum