Navigating Student Loan Changes

In This Section

Sweeping changes to federal student loan programs from the One Big Beautiful Bill will go into effect July 1, 2026. This page will offer resources and education to help dental students like you effectively navigate the changes and prepare for the future. Check back regularly for updated education and resources.

How Changes will Impact Current and Future Borrowers

Access to Repayment Plans

Dental Students Who Have Borrowed Federal Loans prior to July 1, 2026

Borrowers who have taken out a Federal Direct Loan or Grad PLUS Loans for dental school can enroll in the following repayment programs until 2028:

Standard, Graduate, or Extended Repayment Plans
Income-Based Repayment (IBR) Plan
Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) Plan
Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Repayment Plan

By July 1, 2028, these borrowers will need to enroll in one of the following plans:

Standard, Graduate, or Extended Repayment Plans
Tiered Standard Repayment Plan
Income-Based Repayment (IBR) Plan
Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP)

Payments on federal student loans generally start six months upon graduation. For more information and to determine which repayment plan may be best for you, visit the Department of Education website.

Dental Students Who Have Not Yet Borrowed for Dental School

Borrowers who have not taken out a Federal Direct Loan or Grad PLUS Loans for dental school prior to July 1, 2026 can enroll in the following repayment programs:

Tiered Standard Repayment Plan
Income-Based Repayment (IBR) Plan
Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP)

Payments on federal student loans generally start six months upon graduation. For more information and to determine which repayment plan may be best for you, visit the Department of Education website.

Loan Connections

With the changes listed above, you may need to pursue private loans to fund the remainder of your dental student program. ASDA partners with College Ave to provide members affordable loans, guides and articles, loan repayment calculators, FAQs and more.

Learn More

Read the recent article from College Ave., "Big changes Ahead for Grad PLUS and Parent PLUS Loans: Here's What You Need to Know."

ASDA members receive exclusive benefits from College Ave. Explore them here.

Informational Webinars

Recorded Webinar
On Dec. 4, ASDA hosted a webinar that demystified the borrowing process and gave students the proper tools to make informed decisions before, during and after dental school. College Ave's Katrina Delgrosso aided attendees in building a clear roadmap to manage student loans confidently and strategically.

Recorded Webinar
On Sept. 4, ASDA hosted a webinar that examined how recent changes to federal student loans will reshape borrowing and repayment. The webinar featured speakers who provided insights and analysis on how these changes affect current dental students and those looking to get into dental school.

Jon Fansmith from the American Council on Education provided information on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act related to federal student financial aid while Katrina Delgrosso from College Ave will offer resources and information on alternative borrowing options.

Scholarships, Grants and Loan Repayment Programs

Scholarships, grants and payment programs exist for dental students. View the non-exhaustive list that ASDA has put together to explore potential options.