449 - Impact of Federal Loan Caps on Dental Specialty Intentions

Abstract:

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess predoctoral dental students’ intentions to pursue postgraduate specialty training in the context of recent federal student loan policy changes, including the implementation of lifetime borrowing caps and revised repayment programs.

Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study will be conducted using an anonymous online survey distributed to all currently enrolled predoctoral dental students at UT Health San Antonio. The survey will assess demographics, anticipated educational debt, awareness of recent federal student loan policy changes, attitudes toward repayment programs, and interest in pursuing postgraduate specialty education. Participation will be voluntary, and no identifying information will be collected. Descriptive statistics will be calculated, and comparisons by class year, anticipated debt level, and specialty interest will be analyzed using chi-square or t-tests, as appropriate.

Results: Approximately 350 students are expected to participate. Outcomes will include the proportion of students expressing interest in postgraduate specialty training, levels of awareness regarding federal loan borrowing caps and repayment options, and perceived financial barriers to advanced education. Associations between anticipated debt burden and specialty training intentions will be evaluated.

Conclusions: Recent federal student loan policy changes may influence dental students’ decisions regarding postgraduate specialty training. Understanding students’ perceptions and financial concerns may help dental educators and policymakers address barriers to specialty education and workforce development.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: Research requires no funding but is supported by the Department of Developmental Dentistry at UT Health Science Center San Antonio