Dental student indebtedness: Where did it come from and where will it lead?
Today's dental school graduates are burdened by an ever-increasing amount of student loan debt from both their undergraduate and predoctoral educations. Although considered to be multifactorial in origin, this article explores the microeconomic theory of supply and demand as a source for rising tuition costs and subsequent educational debt. The historical context for the cost of a dental education is provided, and serious questions are posed about how this indebtedness might impact the future of the profession.
Gary L
GL
Stafford
D002321:Career Choice; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003752:Dental Health Services; D057172:Economic Recession; D004497:Education, Dental / Q000191:economics*; D004651:Employment / Q000191:economics; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships / Q000191:economics; D005380:Financing, Government / Q000191:economics; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D010560:Personnel Selection; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits / Q000191:economics; D012575:Schools, Dental / Q000191:economics; D013335:Students, Dental; D014146:Training Support / Q000191:economics