How to Pay for Dental School

By Carolyn Morris | Published on March 9, 2026

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There are many reasons to aspire to be a dentist: a flexible work-life balance, running your own practice, and, of course, helping people to be healthier and happier. However, the path to becoming a dentist is expensive, and figuring out how to pay for dental school is something each aspiring dentist must do.

Despite the high cost, the return on investment may be well worth it. The average education debt was $296.5 thousand for students graduating with debt in 2023, according to the American Dental Education Association.

Although the first few years out of school may be financially tight, student loans shouldn’t hold any aspiring dentist back from doing things like opening a private dental practice.

The future is bright for dentists. There is a growing demand for dental services across the country, which according to one report on the outlook for the US dental industry says is possibly due to several factors including:

• “The Zoom effect” or a heightened focus on smile improvement solutions
• Increasing utilization of digital dentistry
• The democratization of care supply
• The expansion of dental coverage via Medicare Advantage and dental wellness programs

Now that you’re considering dentistry as a future career, how will you pay for dental school?

How much does dental school cost?

First, consider whether you will attend an in-state dental school or if you’ll be a non-resident student in another state. The cost of one year of dental school varies widely depending on these factors. Here are some data points about the first-year cost of attendance:

• For an in-state student at Indiana University the cost is $35,026 and for an out-of-state student, it’s more than $54,916.
• At the University of Kentucky, the full cost of attendance is $40,172 for an undergraduate resident and more than $63,592 for an undergraduate who is a non-resident.
• At the private Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California, the direct plus indirect cost of attendance is more than $174,692 for the first year of school.

Now, multiply these numbers by four to estimate the approximate cost to obtain your dental school degree.

How many years is dental school?

Dental school takes four years to complete if you attend full-time. You will need to have a bachelor’s degree to apply to dental school, and some students may take time to work before applying. There are combined DDS and doctorate or master’s degree programs that might appeal to those looking to expand their career options further; however, these programs may require more time to complete.

How to pay for dental school

Apply for federal financial aid

Your first step is to visit the financial aid office of the dental school you plan to attend. You’ll be able to find out if the school offers scholarships or grants and how to apply for them. Additionally, be sure to fill out the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Once you have applied for aid and have been accepted into the school, you’ll often be automatically considered for grants offered by the school.

Dental school scholarships, grants, and fellowships

Scholarships are typically based on merit and are offered by many schools; recipients are usually chosen based on admissions applications and Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores. Grants are based on financial need and do not require repayment, making them another way to fund your dental education.

Here are some options available to dental students:

• The American Dental Education Association offers multiple scholarships up to $5,500.
• The TYLENOL Future Care Scholarship awards 30 scholarships of $5,000 each and 10 scholarships of $10,000 each to students pursuing a degree in medicine.
• The US Army Health Professions Scholarship Program awards full tuition and a monthly stipend of more than $2,000 to qualifying students pursuing a career in healthcare.
• The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) offers six fellowship programs to encourage careers in oral health research.

Federal loans for dental school

Federal loans are offered through the financial aid office of a dental school, and most dental students take them out to fund their education. Below are the types of federal loans available for graduate dental students:

• Federal Stafford loan : Interest accrues with loan origination, and there is a maximum borrowing limit per year.
• Graduate PLUS loan : Interest accrues with loan origination, and you can borrow up to the school’s Cost of Attendance minus the amount of all other financial aid.

Private loans for dental school

Private loans¹ may be used in addition to federal loans. These are not offered through the financial aid office of a school but through private companies. Unlike federal loans, rates will vary based on the borrower’s financial profile. Learn more about Earnest private student loans and get your free rate check in minutes.

Repaying your student loans after dental school

Finding ways to pay for dental school is the first step. Your next step is to manage your education debt while you’re settling into your new dental career. There are many federal and state loan repayment² programs and resources available to newly practicing dentists. These programs often include loan repayment assistance in exchange for work and service in certain areas. However, if you plan to establish a private practice immediately or prefer not to commit to a service agreement, these programs may not be for you.

Ready to manage your student loans effectively?

Earnest offers a variety of student loan options, to help you customize your repayment plan and choose your own interest rate. Explore Earnest's affordable private student loan options today to take control of your financial future and focus on providing excellent dental care.

About the Author

Carolyn Morris

Carolyn is a content marketer and editor who specializes in financial services. With over a decade of experience in the financial services industry, Carolyn has a passion for demystifying the loan application and repayment process for students and their families.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This blog post provides personal finance educational information, and it is not intended to provide legal, financial, or tax advice.