When determining which repayment plan is right for you, remember there is never a penalty for aggressive repayment under any federal repayment plan. In addition, you can estimate repayment under all these plans with the calculators at StudentAid.gov and the AAMC/ADEA Dental Loan Organizer and Calculator (DLOC).

Time-driven

• Payments based on a time period of either 10 of 25 years
• Level and graduated versions available
• Monthly payment amount has nothing to do with income, family size, marital and tax-filing status
• Borrower is debt free at the end of the term with minimal payments (nothing to forgive)
• In general, payments under these plans do not count as qualifying payments for Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Income-driven

• Multiple types of plans, all tied (in part) to income.
• Examples include Income Based Repayment (IBR) and Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE).
• Payments change each year when borrowers renew with updated information on income and family size.
• In general, designed for borrowers whose debt greatly exceeds their incomes and who cannot afford payments under time-driven plans.
• Ideal for many advanced dental education residents who are in hospital-based residency programs.