Dental residency programs typically require dentists to complete an additional 2-6 years of training beyond dental school. This training can be expensive, and many dentists take out loans to cover the costs. Residency programs provide dentists with the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of dentistry, such as orthodontics, periodontics, or oral surgery. Dentists who complete a residency program are often able to earn higher salaries and have more career opportunities.
There are a number of different types of loans available to dentists who are pursuing a residency. These loans can be either federal or private, and they can have different interest rates and repayment terms. It is important for dentists to carefully consider all of their options before choosing a loan. The American Dental Association (ADA) offers a number of resources to help dentists find and compare loans.