So you’ve picked a profession: You’ve decided to pursue dentistry.
The good news is that the dental and oral health field offers a lot of career opportunities and a pretty high salary. Dentists and hygienists are in high demand and they provide a service that makes their customers extremely grateful. I know this for a fact because I’m personally thankful for the oral surgeon that was recently able to get my wisdom teeth out. It wasn’t a “typical” procedure at all and not every surgeon was willing to take the risks associated with such a delicate procedure.
Here’s the bad news: What would have happened if this expert in dentistry couldn’t afford his college education? I’d probably be sitting here in worse pain than the pain of recovery I’m feeling now!
Let’s check out some resources for students looking for free money for dentistry education:
- Of course, there is the U.S. Navy dentistry option. The upside to this is generous educational assistance and financial aid. Navy dentists earn an officer rank, and they have access to some of the best cutting edge technology and equipment. The link shows a few of their financial aid alternatives, and they’re offering up to $180,000 for dental school tuition – and a sign-on bonus – AND a monthly stipend! The downside is commitment: You’ll need to be sure that a career in the Navy is right for you. Although there’s a paid month off each year, this is definitely a job for people who love the seas and love to travel.
- If you’re not ready to go all-in with free college and a Navy commission, consider the Western Dentistry program. The amount of tuition assistance isn’t nearly as generous, but every bit of free money helps – and this one is easy and quick to apply for.
- The American Dental Association (ADA) has a scholarship foundation too – this page includes several significant sources of tuition funding.
One or two scholarships isn’t likely to pay for your entire college education – unless you’re willing to make a long-term commitment after graduation to the Navy or a local or state medical organization. Smaller scholarships and grants are probably the best way to go if you want to keep your options open. When you’re searching for scholarships that match your eligibility, make sure you set your major and/or intended career as dentistry, and if you know your specialty, use that. Remember, the more specific the eligibility criteria of the scholarship or grant, the better your chances of getting free money for school.
June 5th, 2008 at 5:13 am
I should’ve found this post sooner. A friend who took up Dentistry had to pay through the nose to finish his education. I’m sure he wouldn’t join the Navy though just to get become a dentist.
August 19th, 2008 at 8:28 am
sir i want money for study
October 16th, 2008 at 6:20 am
sir i very much keen to study dentistry and have ablity to finish it.however,i need a special help like you.
November 12th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
The Navy is a very good option for education in general. Two of my friends joined in 1998 or so and are both earning six figure salaries in computer networking. They both took advantage of the free education they received in the Navy and one of them used his GI Bill money to get an undergrad and graduate degree (MBA).
November 29th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
please in masters
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:22 pm
This is pretty great info mate, I’m at the point in my life that I want to go back to school for a different career path, if this web development thing doesn’t pan out in the next couple years, maybe I’ll go to dental school.
May 6th, 2009 at 9:49 am
Some institutions give scholarships to dental students.It’s good if they can open the scholarship to other courses too.
June 30th, 2009 at 9:14 am
I am from Canada and we have problems with funds for scolarships. People in the US are lucky to have this. I will look foward to inform myself a little bit more about this.
October 8th, 2009 at 6:52 am
The navy option is attractive but I myself opted for the air force. You must pursue your dream and let the details settle where they may.
November 13th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
As a dentist myself, it’s great to see more and more options everyday that help make it easier on people to pursue their dream of going to school.
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:14 pm
I should’ve found this post sooner. A friend who took up Dentistry had to pay through the nose to finish his education. I’m sure he wouldn’t join the Navy though just to get become a dentist.
February 11th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
Having personally got my dental training through the military I can attest that this is a great method. I left with no debt and a ton of hands on skills. I am more prepared and better skilled than my deeply in-debted associates.
March 24th, 2010 at 4:27 pm
Really informative – continue to spread the word. Looking forward to an update. For too long now have I had the urge to get started on my personal blog. Suppose if I put it off any more I will never ever do it. I’ll make sure to include you in my Blogroll. Thanks again!!
March 27th, 2010 at 4:43 am
I live in New Zealand and the armed forces will do a similar thing, pay for your courses if you commit to x number of years with them. I think that for young single people, that’s a pretty good option. A few of the guys in the business I know here did their study in the army and the police force.
March 27th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
This is a great option, I’ll tell my nephew about it. Dentistry is what he wants to do. Thanks.
April 14th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
This is the first I’ve heard of the Navy dentist program. Seems a good thing to go for, if you really want to become a dentist and don’t have the financial means with which to do it.
April 17th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
Glad I had some talent in other areas that kept me from taking a job in a field that has a high suicide rate. Thank God.I thought about becoming a dentist due to the money they make.
April 23rd, 2010 at 1:59 am
Here in the UK it is tough we do have a royal Navy option which means after completion you must work for them for 5 years. Being a 5 year degree this can be draining on finances and so we have the choice of rich parents, royal navy or large student loans!
May 11th, 2010 at 2:59 am
I AM FROM ETHIOPIA,I’M NOW ON YEAR 4 FOLLOWING DENTAL COURSE. PLEASE HELP ME I
AS I HAVE BIG FINANCIAL PROBLEM. THANK YOU!
May 11th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
I wish I had something like this when I was going to dental school. I had to pay my way with loans, which I am still paying back!
oye!
good luck to all new dental clients.
May 19th, 2010 at 11:56 am
how bout other degree? is there no free money for others? =(
June 7th, 2010 at 10:46 am
Hi there, would you mind if I quote a touch of your article on my blog? I’ll post a website link back! Let me know its a issue, thanks
June 11th, 2010 at 3:01 am
This sounds, like dream come true. Many kids can not afford a good education, especially in dentistry. This sounds like a great opportunity for a great dentist career start.
June 14th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
This a very helpful post! It’s a “study no pay later program”. Keep it up you are helping a lot of people!
July 19th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Great way to pursue dentistry! Extremely good pointers and tips on how to get some aid to receive a dental education!!
July 21st, 2010 at 2:46 pm
my quetion is how can get a free scholarships for dentistry / cause i dont have a opportunity to pay for my college
July 21st, 2010 at 2:46 pm
its how
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Be sure to also reach out to your local and state dental associations.
August 16th, 2010 at 2:49 am
my quetion is how can get a free scholarships for dentistry / cause i dont have a opportunity to pay for my college
September 10th, 2010 at 12:02 am
From my point of view(and I’m a dentist) this is a great read. Too bad there is not more of this on blogs?
October 4th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
There are a lot of different scholarships available. It’s wroth taking the time to look for them.
November 8th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
It’s too bad this kind of information is not circulated more widely. I realize I am shadowing what’s already been said, but there are many people who could truly benefit from this.
February 11th, 2011 at 1:41 am
This information is really helpful for students thinking to pursue dentistry. Bad that it is not available everywhere on net.