Going to Dental School at 30: Is It Too Late to Start?

Is it too late to start dental school when you’re 30?

In short, no. 

However, there are some specific points you may want to consider before applying. Explore these three important considerations for dental school attendance at or after the age of 30 as you’re making this big decision.

Cost of Dental School

To enter dental school around age 30, it’s important to ask yourself how serious you are about dentistry. Dental school is expensive, and while a career as a dentist can be lucrative, you may find yourself burdened by expenses and thoughts of upcoming debt repayment.

How much debt might you face? According to the ADA, the average first-year cost of dental school is nearly $60,000 for in-state tuition and fees, and you’ll continue to have everyday living expenses, like housing. Although some living expenses may be covered by dental school loans, the average dental school graduate may have $296,500 in student loan debt! 

In other words, ensure you are committed to dentistry and plan for the financial cost during school and a secure future after. 

Impact of Dental School on Loved Ones

Dental school attendance is an immense time commitment, and the demands of your education will impact your life outside of school. From the moment you decide to apply for dental school, your children, parents, close friends, and spouse may all be affected by your decision. From researching programs to completing applications, you’re committing many hours to dental school well before your first day of class. Consequently, support from your loved ones may have an enormous impact on your ability to pursue success.

While having your loved one's support isn’t a requirement for dental school, it may be a good idea to ensure everyone is on the same page and equally committed to your career advancement. If they aren’t, you want to know that now versus later. 

Ideally, your family can be right there with you to help you and provide relief when you need it, during and after dental school.

Balancing Dental School and Work

If you’re wondering if going to dental school at 30 — or any other “non-traditional” age — you might be like many other aspiring dentists with concerns about balancing the life you’ve already built with the challenges of a demanding education.

By the age of 30, you may already have a family, spouse, and established career. That’s why it’s important to know whether you can handle dental school in addition to your current workload. 

Can you successfully complete dental school as you continue to provide for your family?

You will almost certainly have to make some sacrifices to get through dental school and become a practicing dentist. Keep in mind that you will be able to establish a new work-life balance post-graduation.

The amount of sacrifice you will choose is unique to your situation. 

Build a Strong Insurance Foundation for Dental School and Beyond

If you’re serious about pursuing dental school, it’s important to know that there’s more to your future career than simply practicing dentistry. Becoming a successful dentist includes planning for running a business - should you choose to go into private practice - and a comprehensive understanding of your financial trajectory regardless of whether you own your own practice or work for another entity.   .

Unfortunately, some dentists-in-training may fail to plan for the financial aspects of their career across all stages, from dental school to retirement. 

We don’t want that for you.

No matter what age you begin your dental career, it’s never too late to begin building a solid financial and insurance foundation. Learn more about how we can guide you and give you the freedom to focus on graduation and career. 

Learn About Services for Dentists in Training

About Treloar & Heisel

Treloar & Heisel, an EPIC Company, is a premier financial services provider to dental and medical professionals across the country. We assist thousands of clients from residency to practice and through retirement with a comprehensive suite of financial services, custom-tailored advice, and a strong national network focused on delivering the highest level of service.

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