College Loans

Dental School Loans

Getting financing for dental school shouldn’t be like pulling teeth – Ascent’s student loans can help make your life easier.

Check your rate without impacting your credit score.

Competitive dental school loan interest rates

Variable Rates

6.90% - 15.94%*

variable rate black trend line with orange dots

Your payment may be more or less every month.
Your interest may vary with market conditions.

Fixed Rates

5.48% - 15.66%*

You make the same payment every month.
Your interest rate is set the day you apply and doesn’t change.

*Rates displayed above are effective as of 09/01/2023 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount of 0.25% on credit-based loans when you enroll in automatic payments. For more information, see repayment examples or review the Ascent Student Loans Terms and Conditions. The final amount approved depends on the borrower’s credit history, verifiable cost of attendance as certified by an eligible school and is subject to credit approval and verification of application information.
**Lowest APRs require interest-only payments, the shortest loan term, and a cosigner, and are only available to our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores.

Customize your dental school loan repayment options

Flexible Repayment Plans (available while enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school and during Grace Period)

Deferred payment if you want to wait to start loan payments
$25 minimum repayment* if you want to get started on your payments while you’re still in school.
Interest-only repayment if you can afford larger payments while in school.

Extended In-School Period

We offer deferment of dental school loans up to 48-months while you’re enrolled at least half time.

Postpone Payments

The grace period allows you to postpone payments full principal and interest payments up to 12-months after graduation, up to 9-months after leaving the program, or otherwise dropping to less than half-time enrollment status, giving you time to focus on what matters.

*Want to see what your repayment plan and monthly payments could look like? Check out our loan repayment examples to help you make your decision.

5 Benefits of dental school loans with Ascent

No application, origination, or disbursement fees
No penalties for early repayment
1% cashback graduation reward + discount for automatic payments
Refer a friend and earn up to $525 for each friend you refer
Defer payments up to 12-months after graduation or leaving the program

What are others saying about Ascent?

Ascent stands out for its range of payment reduction and postponement options, rare among private lenders. Borrowers can choose a graduated repayment plan, which provides a lower monthly payment to start that increases over time.” Read more

- Forbes Advisor

We are recognizing Ascent with our Editor’s Choice™ Award as Top Private Student Loan Provider thanks to the company’s student-focused efforts and innovative loan options. ” Read more

- BadCredit.org

Being young I don’t have a strong credit history. Ascent made it possible for me to have my own loan without the help of others – I’m thankful I found them.

Nikara M.

It was the only decent loan provider that would accept a non-cosigned loan. My loan manager helped a lot.

Robert C.

The best thing about Ascent is the fact that they make the process easy. I was able to do everything online and the money was sent directly to my school.

Anjellica C.

How to get your dental school loan

You’ve already put a lot of work into preparing for dental school. Getting the financing you need shouldn’t stop you now. We’ve streamlined our application process so you can get your funds without getting a headache.

Step 1:

Submit your pre-qualification

We ask you to provide important information such as your name, address, date of birth, the school you’re applying to, and employment information. If you’re applying with a cosigner, they’ll also enter their information.
Step 2:

Select your repayment plan

Once your completed loan application is approved, you’ll be able to view your repayment options and select the loan terms that work best for you.
Step 3:

Complete your Ascent portal tasks

After you choose your loan terms, your Ascent portal will be populated with tasks to complete. These tasks include a financial wellness quiz and providing us with any additional information we need to prepare your loan.
Step 4:

We pay your school

When your portal tasks are complete, we send your loan for school certification. Once certified, we’ll disburse your loan directly to your school.

Ready to start your loan application?

See your rates today without impacting your credit score.

More sources of funding for dental school

Federal aid for dental students

While it’s very difficult to pay for dental school without taking loans, diversifying the sources of your finances can help you save money. Many dental students take out federal loans first by filling out the FAFSA, then seek more funding through scholarships and private loans.

Dental school scholarships

There are many options for dental scholarships available through the American Student Dental Association (ASDA), American Dental Association Foundation, American Dental Education Association (ADEA), and the American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD).

Ascent also gives out more than $80,000 in scholarships every year to students attending college, graduate school, and bootcamps. There are many chances to win, so make sure to check in regularly to see which scholarships we’re currently running.

Financial wellness tips for grad school

To help you with your student loan for law school, we incorporate financial wellness into our application process. This gives you exclusive access to tips and resources to prepare you for financial success in school and after graduation.

Frequently asked questions about dental school loans

Can I take out federal loans for dental school?

Yes. Many dental school students apply for federal loans first through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), then cover additional expenses with private student loans. The federal loans available to you may consist of Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans.

If your federal loans don’t cover all of your living expenses, a private student loan and scholarships may give you the financial assistance you need.

How much can I take out in loans?

The maximum loan amount for an Ascent loan is limited to the total cost of attendance for a period not to exceed one full academic year, including any financial aid you receive, as certified by your school. Note: Your maximum loan amount may be less than the amount requested on your application due to the school certification or other underwriting factors

Minimum: $2,001*
Maximum (aggregate): $400,000 for Graduate Loans
Student borrowers may borrow up to their institution’s cost of attendance as certified by the school and may not exceed the aggregate loan limits as stated above.

*The loan minimum amount is $2,001 except for the state of Massachusetts. Minimum loan amount for borrowers with a Massachusetts permanent address is $6,001.

Are loans for dental school worth it?

When you take an Ascent loan, you’ll also have a wealth of financial resources available to you to help you succeed and develop a plan to tackle your debt after dental school. We also award more than $80,000 in scholarships each year to students.

Only you can decide if dental school loans are worth it for you. If you decide to go to dental school, Ascent is here to support you.

What are the credit requirements for a dental school loan?

The credit requirements for an Ascent loan is subject to change and your credit requirements may depend on whether you’re applying with a cosigner or not.

You can check what rates you qualify for without impacting your credit score.

How do dental school loans work?

Dental school loans with Ascent work in 4 easy steps. After you’ve been accepted to your dental school, you can begin the application for your loan. Once you’ve pre-qualified for your loan, you can accept the loan and customize your repayment options. We’ll keep you updated on additional tasks and documents that need to be uploaded.

Finally, your dental school will certify your approved loan amount and your funds will be sent directly to your school – any money that doesn’t go toward your school’s necessary funds will be sent to you to cover additional expenses.

Can international students get loans for dental school?

Yes. Ascent’s graduate loans are available for international students attending U.S.-based institutions. To apply for a dental school student loan as an international student, you’ll need to apply with a creditworthy cosigner. Your cosigner must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.

DACA students may apply on their own with the proper documentation or with a qualified cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.

Do you offer scholarships for medical school?

Yes. Ascent awards over $80,000 in scholarships every year. Enter for your chance to win our monthly scholarships in 3 easy steps – no essay required. To learn more about scholarships, visit here.

Don’t see your question? Check our FAQ page.

Contact Us for Help with Dental School Loans

If you have questions or concerns about your dental school loan application, don’t hesitate to contact Ascent. We’re available to assist you and provide clarification on the loan application process, as well as any additional information you need to help make your decision.

Fill out our contact form to reach the Ascent team.

Pursuing a Different Educational Route?

Ascent provides private student loans for various graduate student routes. If your heart isn't set on dentistry, we can still help you out! Check out our other graduate loan options.

Graduate Loans