As a former professor and relatively recent graduate myself, I know many dentists nationally who recently graduated from dental school are faced with an overwhelming debt burden. Dentists among many healthcare professionals have some of the highest student loan obligations due to the cost of dental education. In addition, many new practitioners in today’s economic climate are faced with dwindling job opportunities in private practice. It is clear that the salaries and benefits once offered by private practice are no longer sustainable in the Great Recession.
Many practitioners, including myself have been shielded from economic uncertainty due to our affiliation with community health centers. Health centers not only provide access for all, they also allow many health care practitioners the opportunity to receive loan repayment via state and federal programs. While private practices are experiencing slow times, community health centers are experiencing growth. Many patients who were previously seen in private practice are now seeking community health centers in times of need.
I have the benefit of caring for a community that appreciates the care I provide and loan repayment via the National Health Service Corps. In my opinion this is the best of both worlds.
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