TDA news
School Debt Got
You Down?
How the TDA and ADA Can Help
by Dr. William H. Gerlach
Texas Dental Association Board of Directors, Northeast Division Vice President
Today’s student debt has affected careers in many industries, dentistry included. In 2012, the level of all student
debt was the highest in history at $966 billion1. 75% of
dental students will carry over $100,000 of student debt2,
the average being $241,0973. What are the ramifications of
debt levels unprecedented in our profession? How does
debt affect career decisions?
22 NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY | www.northtexasdentistry.com
According to the American Dental Association’s Marko Vujicic,
gender and ethnicity have a stronger correlation with career choice
than debt. Indeed, career choices are very personal, and I am of
the belief that debt will also have an influence whether a young
dentist chooses a large group practice, private practice, specialization, etc. The reality of debt will catch up with our young colleagues
sooner or later, and the eventual servicing of debt has the potential
to effectively become a second mortgage during the first 10-15
years of their careers.