As a third-year dental student at the Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine, my journey through dental school thus far has been a very transformative and, at times, overwhelming experience. My passion to pursue dentistry, specifically orthodontics, came from a story rooted in pain, healing, and purpose. In elementary school, I was bullied for everything from my size and race to, most hurtfully, my teeth. I had a severe overjet that was often compared to that of a horse. I was left without an ounce of confidence in myself, but all of that changed once I got braces in the sixth grade. With braces, my entire outlook on life transformed. I grew confident. I started maintaining eye contract and smiling without worrying about what others would think. The transformation that my orthodontist helped me make is what drives my desire to instill that same confidence in others—especially for children from underserved backgrounds like me.
In the Face of Adversity
Let it be known that pursuing my dental education has come with many adversities, especially financial ones. Right before I started dental school, my car was totaled, and I had to take out a loan to replace it. Unfortunately, financial aid doesn’t cover car payments, only things like gas or maintenance, so I’ve often had to balance working 20 or more hours a week while being in dental school for 40 hours a week. Now, with recent legislation passed by Congress, there will be reductions in certain federal aid programs, such as the Grad PLUS loan. This will make it more challenging for underrepresented students like me to make it through dental school—let alone specialty education.
Your wipes cost too much
The average dental school student graduates with about $300,000 of debt, and currently, my total student loan debt is projected to approach $475,000 upon obtaining my DMD. Thankfully, I received a full academic and service scholarship to finance my undergraduate education, so I started dental school debt-free. However, that’s not the case for many of my peers who had to take out loans for college. Every year, I apply for dozens of scholarships in hopes of lowering my financial burden. I’m incredibly grateful to have already received two scholarships for dental school so far, and I remain hopeful for more financial support.
To be honest, I think that the cost of dental school is debilitating. The average tuition is nearly double that of medical school, and although more clinical supplies are used in dentistry, it still feels unfair that we face far more debt, fewer repayment options, and a poor rapport with the public, who often accuse us of overcharging them. I wish there were more scholarships, grants, or financial opportunities for students, especially for those who start out-of-state and are prohibited from switching their residence to receive in-state tuition rates. These financial limitations may eventually make the field of dentistry less accessible and desirable.
Regardless of these potential setbacks, I believe that pursuing an education in dentistry is still worth the investment, particularly for those who choose to specialize. General dentists make six-figure incomes, and specialists make significantly more. That being said, the severe reduction of Grad PLUS loans will likely decrease the value of dental education for some students. They may be forced to take gap years, resort to high-interest private loans, or accept job positions that don’t align with their passions just to make ends meet. For me, I know I’m not in this for the money. I’m here for the smiles, confidence, and health that I’ll help restore. That’s my purpose.
Nonetheless, I know that I’ll have to live below my means for years after graduation. I’ll need to save, budget, and be wise with my spending, which means no immediate luxury car or vacations. I’m working hard now, so I can live more comfortably later. My dream of becoming an orthodontist may be delayed by a gap year or two to work and save for residency, but I’m determined to see it through.
The Educational Experience
Despite the challenges, I feel well-prepared for clinical practice thanks to my background as a dental assistant. Before starting dental school, I worked for 4 years in private practice, in public health, and even at a corporate DSO. This allowed me to become cross-trained and well-versed in both the business and clinical sides of dentistry, and that experience has made dental school a lot more understandable. In addition, I believe that the professors at the Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine have trained us to excel, not just to be minimally competent. Our clinical parameters are strict, which will make passing the boards and practicing conservatively so much easier.
There are definitely some things that I would change to enhance my dental education experience. I wish that more of our training was “tell-show-do,” as we are taught to do with pediatric patients, and less reliant on watching videos. If we received more live demonstrations in small groups, I believe it would help to prevent repeated remediation, which unfortunately, I am quite accustomed to. Also, I think that it’s beneficial for dental schools to incorporate more education on electives, such as cosmetic dentistry, special needs care, interdisciplinary medicine, or forensics, to let students explore their interests. More breaks, especially during the summer semester, would also go a long way in protecting students’ mental health. A mere week between semesters is simply not enough time to recharge.
Lincoln Memorial University’s College of Dental Medicine does an excellent job with community outreach. We screen children at local schools and work with a foundation to provide transportation for dental treatment. However, I wish that there were more opportunities within our program, and other dental programs across the nation, to work directly with medical students in clinical projects. Engaging in interprofessional collaboration and building relationships with our future healthcare colleagues is essential to providing integrated, patient-centered care.
Finding Balance
Dental school can be overwhelming, but it shouldn’t consume your entire life. I encourage students to go out and make friends, practice self-care, and find time for their hobbies. On top of my studies, dental school has allowed me to pursue my passions for service and leadership. I currently serve as the vice president of the Spanish Club, the vice president of the Digital Dentistry Society, the president of the Ortho Club, the secretary of the Christian Medical & Dental Association, and a class representative on the Inclusiveness Committee. I also hope to help launch a chapter of the Student National Dental Association at our school. Outside of my extracurricular activities at school, I also enjoy volunteering at Remote Area Medical events across East Tennessee. The mobile clinics provide quality vision, medical, and dental care, free-of-charge, to underserved, uninsured, and underinsured individuals, which aligns with my personal mission to serve the underserved.
Recently, I competed in my first-ever pageant through the Miss National American Teen & Collegiate system. I built new friendships, showcased the confidence that I’ve worked so hard to develop, and earned the title of National American Royal, which gives me a platform to share my vision about oral health and mentorship for underrepresented dental students. Dental school is and will always be the first priority, but it should never stop you from living your life.
For the Right Reasons
When I think about my future, I see myself as a provider who goes above and beyond for her patients. One who puts patient care above production and always keeps the patient’s best interests in mind. I am considering working both in general dentistry and orthodontics if my resident state permits it, and I am dedicated to working with underserved, underinsured, and uninsured families. Five years from now, I see myself married, board-certified, and working as an orthodontist—all while serving in my church and remaining a pillar of my community. My strength comes from my faith and my family. Whenever I’m overwhelmed or exhausted, I think of how proud they are and how far I’ve come. I pray for strength during study sessions, before exams, and to overcome every obstacle I face. That spiritual foundation carries me forward.
To any future dental students, make sure that you’re pursuing this career for the right reasons—not just for the paycheck, or because your parents expect it, or because of some other pressure. It has to be your dream. If it is, the struggles won’t stop you—they’ll refine you. Rejection will bring redirection. Be wise with your finances. Apply for scholarships, budget your refund checks, and live within your means. Loans are borrowed money, not free money. And remember, you can and should have a life outside of school. Dentistry is what you do, not who you are. Never forget that.
Rebecca Paul
DMD Candidate
Lincoln Memorial University
College of Dental Medicine
Knoxville, Tennessee
