Show Notes
The rules of dental student loans just changed, and most dentists have no idea what it means for them.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act capped federal student loans at $200,000 for dental students, down from a system that previously allowed borrowers to cover the full cost of attendance. For dental schools that cost $600,000 to $1,000,000 to attend, that means the gap now has to be filled with private loans at rates as high as 18%, requiring co-signers and offering zero forgiveness options. In practical terms, the Big Beautiful Bill just made dental school twice as expensive for most incoming students.
In this episode, Scott Leune sits down with Dan Rooker, founder of Grad Loan Advice and one of the country's few Certified Student Loan Professionals, to break down exactly what changed and what every current dentist and dental student needs to know.
Dan and Scott cover: Why the $200,000 federal loan cap will change the financial trajectory of every dentist graduating from 2026 forward The difference between federal and private loans and why private loans are now the biggest debt burden The Repayment Assistance Program strategy that can reduce your first-year payment to $10 per month How to use tax filing timing to eliminate an entire year of interest accrual Why forgiveness exists on federal loans but not private, and what that means for your career decisions The specific circumstances where filing married-filing-separately can save borrowers thousands Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunities most dentists never consider The one-time-only 1% autopay discount deadline that could save $6,000+ on a $600K loan Why every new dentist needs a student loan consultant on their team alongside their CPA and financial planner
Whether you're a dental student, a new graduate carrying debt, or a practice owner still working through your own loans, this episode delivers the tactical, timely information most dentists never get.
Learn more about Dan Rooker and Grad Loan Advice: gradloanadvice.com
Special offer for Dental CEO Podcast listeners: Dan is extending a discounted rate on his one-hour student loan consultation for anyone who mentions the show.
🎧 Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: dentalceopodcast.com
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