Financial Wellness
Supporting Smart Borrowing, Confident Repayment, and Long‑Term Financial Success
Dental education is a significant investment. This page helps UCLA School of Dentistry students make informed borrowing decisions, manage expenses during school, and prepare for successful loan repayment after graduation.
Whether you are a D1 planning your first‑year budget or a D4 preparing for repayment, these resources will support your financial journey.
Budgeting While in School
Creating a Student Budget
Dental students face unique expenses including:
- Tuition and fees
- Rent and utilities in Los Angeles
- Dental instruments and supplies
- Board examination fees
- Transportation
- Health insurance
- Daily living expenses
We recommend creating a monthly budget that separates:
- Fixed Costs (rent, tuition, insurance)
- Variable Costs (groceries, dining, transportation)
- Academic Costs (instruments, exams)
Budget Templates
Sample Annual Budget Expense Template
Sample Monthly Budget Expense Template
These tools can help you track spending and plan borrowing more effectively.
Cost‑Saving Strategies in Los Angeles
- Consider shared housing or roommates
- Use student discounts when available
- Plan large purchases in advance
- Use public transportation when possible
- Track discretionary spending monthly
Understanding Borrowing
Most dental students finance their education through federal student loans.
Federal Loan Types
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans – fixed interest rate, annual limits
- Graduate PLUS Loans – higher interest rate and credit check required. Graduate PLUS Loans are available to continuing students who previously borrowed a Direct Unsubsidized Loan within the program prior to July 1, 2026.
To better understand eligibility requirements, credit criteria, and how Graduate PLUS Loans work, visit the official Federal Student Aid page:
Understanding loan terms, interest accrual, and origination fees can help you borrow strategically and responsibly.
Loan Repayment Strategies
Standard Repayment Plan
- Fixed monthly payments
- 10‑year term
- Lowest total interest paid over time
Income‑Driven Repayment (IDR) Plans
Plans such as SAVE, PAYE, and IBR calculate payments based on income and family size, which can be especially helpful during residency or early careers.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
If you work for a qualifying nonprofit or government employer, you may qualify for forgiveness after 120 qualifying payments under an income‑driven plan.
Tools & Calculators
These tools can help you estimate payments, plan strategies, and assess your financial situation:
Federal Student Aid Loan Simulator
Compare repayment plans and estimate monthly payments.
UCLA Financial Wellness Tools
The UCLA Financial Wellness Program offers tools including a financial wellness roadmap and federal loan repayment checklist for UCLA students
External Student Loan Payment Calculators
• Student Loan Payment Calculator (NerdWallet) — Estimate monthly payments and total cost.
• Debt‑to‑Income Ratio Calculator — Assess what portion of income goes toward debt.
(More tools and calculators may be added here as resources evolve.)
Additional UCLA Financial Resources
UCLA Financial Wellness Program
UCLA offers free financial coaching, budgeting guidance, financial education workshops, and resources to help students manage expenses, build financial literacy, and plan for long‑term financial success.
Visit UCLA Financial Wellness:
Students can schedule one‑on‑one advising or attend workshops on topics such as budgeting, credit health, and student loan repayment.
Mandatory UCLA Debt Management & Counseling
Online Entrance / Debt Management Session
- Provides information on loan terms and responsible borrowing.
Exit / Debt Management Session
- Required before graduation.
- Reviews total borrowing, repayment plans, and federal consolidation options.
- Helps students confirm loan servicer and choose a tentative repayment strategy.
Financial Planning as a Dentist
Dental graduates often balance high educational debt with high earning potential. Thoughtful planning can help manage debt repayment while saving for retirement and emergency needs.
Considerations include:
- Practice ownership vs. associate employment
- Disability, life, and malpractice insurance
- Long‑term savings and investment planning
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for dentists is approximately $160,000. The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that salaries can vary widely based on practice type, location, and experience. BLS Dentist Salary | ADA Dentist Compensation
D1‒D4 Financial Planning Timeline
D1
- Create a monthly budget
- Borrow only what’s necessary
D2
- Review cumulative borrowing
- Reevaluate spending habits
D3
- Learn about repayment options
- Consider residency financial impact
D4
- Complete exit counseling
- Confirm loan servicer
- Choose a tentative repayment plan
Contact the SOD Financial Aid Office
Have questions about borrowing strategy or repayment planning?
Primary Contact Method
Use the MyUCLA Message Center for secure, trackable communication.
Please include your full name, 9‑digit UID, and email address.
Virtual Appointments (Zoom)
Available 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Appointments after 5:00 p.m. available upon request.
In‑Person Appointments
Tuesdays & Thursdays (by appointment only).
Schedule Here:
https://calendly.com/csteppes-dentistry/30min
If you cannot attend, please cancel at least 24 hours in advance.