Do you want to be a dentist? That means professional school after an undergraduate degree. You could find yourself $300,000 in debt. Or you could find scholarship money for dental school.
Professional dental associations offer scholarships to encourage and develop the next generation of dentists and dentistry professionals. They are often provided to women and minorities. Scholarship applicants are often required to be student members of the association to be eligible for awards.
High Cost of Graduate Education
The main reason you need a dental school scholarship is the high cost of education. Most students graduate in debt from their undergraduate years and going to dental school means adding an expensive graduate school education. With a scholarship, you won’t have to worry about how you or your parents will pay for the always-increasing cost of graduate school. This means you can focus on your dental education and work on being the best dentist you can become.
You Need Good Credit
Credit is important in today’s world and as a young person, you don’t want a poor debt-to-income ratio because of student loans. You can avoid student loan debt or lower it with a scholarship and not add to your debt. Keep an eye on your credit score.
Living Is Expensive
Going to dental school means room and food in addition to tuition and fees. There are costs for books and other supplies not to mention the time commitment. At most you may have to take out a loan for rent and basic expenses. With little to no debt, you can focus on post-dental school needs such as buying a home or car. As a dental student, you probably won’t be allowed to get a part-time job. You want to use your time and money to focus on dental training.
Freedom From Financial Worries
A scholarship means you have freedom. You will have the freedom to attend the dental school of your choice and focus on the training you want. You will be able to focus most of your time and energy on academic work.
A Scholarship Looks Good
Also, having dental school scholarships and other awards on your resume will give you credibility and respect when you are pursuing career opportunities. Winning a scholarship or fellowship shows that you are a hard worker, intelligent, and will do what is necessary to achieve your dreams. Students who earn scholarships often have an advantage over the competition and will likely win more job offers.
Scholarships Are There
Scholarships are a way of encouraging and developing the next generation of dentistry professionals. The American Dental Education Association offers scholarship opportunities for dental students. The Dental Trade Alliance Foundation offers scholarships to students who are enrolled in an accredited U.S. dental school as full-time students, are in good academic standing, and can demonstrate financial need. The students must have a strong interest in community service.
Going to dental school is a major personal and financial commitment. You need to have a solid financial plan and scholarships to earn your degree.
