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Ascent Blog

What are the costs of Dental School?: The breakdown of costs, fees, and funding options 

Feb 05, 2025 | By: Lisa Mach
Categories: For College Students, For Cosigners

Making the decision to go to dental school is a big decision. That’s why it’s important to have a clear understanding of the financial investment that you are signing up for. As you begin to explore your dental school options, you’ll also come across how you’ll navigate the costs and fund your education. Whether you are just starting to think about dental school, or starting your application, this guide will offer you the tools and information you may need about DAT fees, finding ways to pay for your tuition through scholarships, payment plans and more, to make your process easier and get you started on the right track.  

“Pursuing a career in healthcare is undeniably challenging, but for those fueled by true passion, it becomes a deeply rewarding journey. The first and most important step is developing the right mindset and being prepared.” – S. Chintalapudi, Dental School Applicant 

What is the DAT & What Are the Fees? 

The DAT is the Dental Admission Test and it is crucial to your application process. The exam includes four sections timed over five hours and fifteen minutes. It is accepted by all dental schools in the U.S., and select schools in Canada, and is one of the factors that is considered when evaluating a potential student. When you apply for the exam, there is a non-refundable and non-transferable exam fee of $560. There is also a partial fee waiver that can cover 50% of the exam fee and 100% of a full practice test, but there are a limited number available per year. Additionally, you may have to qualify for additional requirements that you can find on the American Dental Association website and Candidate Guide.  

In addition to figuring out how you will pay for the costs of the test, also make sure to choose the right testing day for you. Give yourself enough time and budget to take all the practice exams you may need and hire a tutor if  needed. Planning for your DAT exam properly will help set you up for success, both academically and financially! 

“Beyond tackling rigorous science classes, you might need tutoring, which can range from free to $30 an hour. Shadowing dentists and volunteering are typically free but require significant time investment. Then comes preparing for the DAT. Prep courses range from $400 to over $1,000. Accelerated courses focusing on “high-yield” topics add another $100 or more per class. While many resources are available, programs like DAT Booster or Bootcamp often provide sufficient preparation within three months to six months.” – S. Chintalapudi, Dental School Applicant 

Understanding Tuition 

Similar to undergraduate tuition, dental school tuition can vary depending on if you are attending a public or private institution. On average, public dental schools have a total tuition of about $180K and private total tuition of up to $330K, as according to the ADA. However, tuition does not include everything you may need when in school. There are additional costs for dental instruments, textbooks, living expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and other potential school materials. These expenses could impact you by potentially adding another $32,000 or so to your total expenses.  

“When interviewing at each school, the administration is pretty transparent on what the cost breakdown for everything is, but I didn’t expect dental school to cost more than medical school!” – T. Nguyen, Current Dental School Student  

What are your funding options? 

Don’t let the expenses overwhelm you. There are many ways you can fund your tuition and other expenses while in school.  

  • Work Study: There are work study programs that give you the opportunity to earn money while also gaining experience on or off campus. Check with your school to verify if this is an option for you!  
  • Part-Time Employment can also help provide a source of income as you balance work and study hours.  
  • Payment plans may be another option for you if your school offers them. Payment plans allow you to separate your tuition payments into installments rather than paying the full amount all at once, which can make the expense more manageable.  
  • Scholarships are also an option for you whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student. Ascent has helped students by awarding over $330,000 in no-essay scholarship giveaways! Big or small, any amount you are awarded can help cut your costs.  

Get the financial flexibility you need to attend dental school by exploring your options and taking note of how you can prepare as you start applying.  

“Expenses can accumulate quickly, including DAT prep courses, interview travel costs, primary and secondary application fees. However, planning ahead and seeking out resources and mentorship can make a significant difference in navigating this process more smoothly.” – M.Le, Dental School Applicant 

Before you begin your dental school journey, keep in mind the costs of the Dental Admission Test (DAT), tuition, and living expenses. Being proactive in figuring out your funding options is the first step to preparing for a successful journey. While the application process and funding options can seem intimidating, Ascent is here to provide the information and resources that you may need. Contact a student loan specialist today.  

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