NSU CDM Lasting Impressions Fall 2018

More than 44 million Americans are carrying student loan debts, and 30- to 39-year-olds hold the distinction as the fastest-growing student loan borrowers of any other age group, according to Forbes magazine. Dentists Andrew and Whit- ney Haidet are not among them. The CDM grads credit their ability to pay off nearly $700,000 in student loans in a little over three years to the lessons they picked up in dental school and at Heart- land Dental, the dental support organiza- tion (DSO) that owns their practices. They offer the following tips. n Find a DSO with a reputation that fo- cuses on excellence in clinical dentistry that also provides business and leadership training and support. n Reach out to colleagues and mentors for advice on running a successful office and team. n Focus on quality dental care and the patient experience instead of high-volume procedures. n In setting a budget, dedicate a large portion of your income to making monthly payments on your loans. n Avoid financial investments until the loans are paid off. No investments are guaranteed to make more than what you’ll lose in loan interest. n Cultivate strong relationships with your patients and team. n Enjoy your work. THE STUDENT LOAN PAYOFF SEVEN TIPS FOR GETTING DEBT- FREE IN UNDER FIVE YEARS NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | 33