Question 1

What is the average dental school debt?

Accepted Answer

The average dental school graduate carries approximately $293,000 in student loan debt as of 2024. Specialists who complete residency programs often accumulate $350,000-$500,000+ in total debt. Dental hygienists typically graduate with $50,000-$80,000 in debt.

Question 2

What is PSLF and do dentists qualify?

Accepted Answer

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) forgives remaining federal student loan balances after 120 qualifying monthly payments (10 years) while working full-time for a government or non-profit employer. Dentists working at community health centers, VA hospitals, university dental clinics, or non-profit practices may qualify. The forgiveness is tax-free.

Question 3

Which repayment plan is best for dentists?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your income, employer type, and goals. If you work for a qualifying non-profit or government employer, an IDR plan combined with PSLF is often optimal. For dentists in private practice with high incomes, the Standard 10-year plan typically results in the lowest total cost. Use this calculator to compare all options for your specific situation.

Question 4

How does the SAVE plan differ from PAYE and IBR?

Accepted Answer

The SAVE (Saving on a Valuable Education) plan caps payments at 10% of discretionary income (income above 225% of the federal poverty level), compared to PAYE/IBR which use 150% of FPL. SAVE also provides an interest subsidy — if your payment doesn't cover all monthly interest, the government covers the difference. Forgiveness comes after 20-25 years.

Question 5

Is loan forgiveness taxable?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the type of forgiveness. PSLF forgiveness is always tax-free. IDR forgiveness (after 20-25 years) is generally treated as taxable income, though under the American Rescue Plan, IDR forgiveness is tax-free through 2025. The SAVE plan's forgiveness is not treated as taxable income. Always consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

Dental Loan Repayment Calculator

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Understanding Dental School Loan Repayment

Frequently Asked Questions

Dental Loan Repayment Calculator

Quick start: Select your role to pre-fill the calculator

Results will appear here

Understanding Dental School Loan Repayment

Frequently Asked Questions