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When applying for life insurance, many people believe that age is the most important factor in determining their premium. While age does play a role, your health and lifestyle habits often have an even greater impact on your eligibility, coverage options, and overall cost. Life insurance carriers evaluate risk carefully. Understanding what factors they review can help you prepare for the application process and make more informed decisions. Health History and Medical Conditions One of the first things an insurance carrier evaluates is your overall health and medical history. This includes both current conditions and past diagnoses. Carriers commonly review chronic conditions, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, height and weight, prior surgeries or hospitalizations, and family medical history. Having a health condition does not automatically disqualify you from coverage. In many cases, well-managed and well-documented conditions are viewed more favorably than untreated or inconsistent care. Tobacco and Nicotine Use Tobacco use is one of the most significant factors affecting life insurance premiums. This includes cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, vaping, and other nicotine products. Applicants who use nicotine typically pay higher premiums due to increased health risks. However, many carriers will offer non-smoker rates after a period of nicotine-free use. Proper timing and disclosure can make a substantial difference in cost. Lifestyle and Dangerous Activities Insurance carriers also consider how you spend your time outside of work. Certain hobbies and activities are considered higher risk and may affect pricing or coverage terms. Examples include skydiving, scuba diving, rock climbing, racing, and private or recreational aviation. Participation alone does not necessarily result in higher premiums. Frequency, training, certifications, and safety precautions all play an important role in underwriting decisions. Driving Record and Legal History Many applicants are surprised to learn that their driving record can impact life insurance premiums. Carriers may review DUI or DWI convictions, reckless driving citations, multiple moving violations, and license suspensions. A clean driving record reflects responsible behavior, while recent or repeated violations may raise concerns. Serious criminal history may also affect eligibility depending on severity and timing. Alcohol and Substance Use Moderate alcohol consumption is generally acceptable. However, excessive use or a history of substance abuse can significantly impact underwriting decisions. Applicants may be asked about alcohol intake, prior treatment or rehabilitation, and prescription medication usage. Accuracy and transparency are critical during this portion of the application. The Advantage of Working With a Brokerage As an insurance brokerage, we are not tied to one carrier. This allows us to evaluate multiple companies and identify the carrier that best suits your health profile, lifestyle habits, and long-term goals. Different carriers view risk differently, and our role is to advocate on your behalf and match you with the most appropriate option available. The Bottom Line Life insurance underwriting is about accuracy, not perfection. An informed applicant is a stronger applicant. Understanding how your health and lifestyle affect your application allows you to plan ahead and avoid unnecessary surprises. Choosing the right policy and carrier is an important decision. By working with a brokerage that understands both insurance and your profession, you can feel confident knowing your coverage is tailored to you and will be there when it matters most. Written by: Reghan Handley
Dental School Debt Rewritten: What the OBBB Act means for Future Dentists It’s no secret that the cost of dental education has reached a breaking point. Today, nearly 78% of dental school graduates begin their careers carrying more than $312,000 in student loan debt , a financial burden that can shape career decisions long before the first patient is seen(1). As changes to federal student loan policy loom, students considering a dental career must un derstand not only how we arrived here—but how to prepare for what’s coming next. Why Dental Education Comes With a High Price Tag Becoming a dentist requires a minimum of eight years of postsecondary education , often followed by additional training. Unlike medical residents, however, most dental and orthodontic residents do not receive a salary or stipend during training. Instead, many continue paying tuition while interest accrues immediately on borrowed funds. As a result, federal loans have become the backbone of dental education financing: Approximately 85% of dental students rely on Direct Loans (1) Nearly 80% of those students also use Grad PLUS loans to cover costs beyond Direct Loan limits (1) Until now, these federal options provided flexibility, borrower protections, and access to income-driven repayment plans—features not typically available in private lending (2). What the OBBB Act Changes for Dental Students Beginning July 1, 2026 , provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act will significantly reshape how graduate education is financed (3). Key changes include: Direct Unsubsidized Loan limits capped at $50,000 per year , with a $200,000 lifetime maximum Elimination of the Grad PLUS loan program entirely For dental students, whose cost of attendance often far exceeds these limits, this creates a substantial funding gap. The Shift Toward Private Lending With federal options restricted, many students will be pushed toward private or commercial loans to bridge the difference. These loans often: Carry higher interest rates Require stronger credit profiles or co-signers Lack federal borrower protections such as income-driven repayment, deferment, or forgiveness options This shift places greater importance on something students don’t often think about early enough: creditworthiness. Why Creditworthiness Will Matter More for Dental Students Creditworthiness affects far more than student loans—and in a post–Grad PLUS environment, it may determine whether private financing is available at all . As federal lending options narrow, lenders will place greater emphasis on an applicant’s credit profile when evaluating risk. A strong credit history can influence: Interest rates: Higher credit scores often qualify borrowers for lower interest rates, which can translate into tens of thousands of dollars in savings over the life of a loan. Loan approval and terms: Lenders review credit history to determine not only whether a borrower is approved, but also the structure of the loan—including required co-signers and repayment terms. Housing opportunities: Many landlords assess credit scores during tenant screening, and lower scores may result in higher security deposits or limited rental options. The good news? Several of the most important factors that contribute to creditworthiness are within your control—and building them early can significantly improve your financial flexibility during and after dental school. Practical Ways Students Can Build Credit Now Even during school, small habits can make a meaningful difference: Pay every bill on time Payment history is the single most important factor in your credit score. Automate payments whenever possible. Keep credit utilization low Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit limit on credit cards. Limit new credit applications Each hard inquiry can temporarily lower your score—only apply when necessary. Keep older accounts open Length of credit history matters. Even unused accounts can help your score if kept in good standing. Review and dispute errors Regularly check your credit report and challenge inaccuracies that could unfairly drag your score down. Preparing for Dental School in a Changing Student Loan Landscape Being mindful of when you apply to dental school—and how you prepare financially beforehand—has never been more important. Establishing strong credit habits early won’t just help you adapt to upcoming loan changes; it can also reduce borrowing costs and improve financial flexibility long after graduation. In a shifting lending landscape, preparation is power. References Istrate EC, Samanta A, Booker CL, West KP. Dentists of Tomorrow 2024: An Analysis of the Results from the ADEA 2024 Survey of U.S. Dental School Seniors. ADEA Education Research Series, Issue 7, December 2024. U.S. Department of Education, “Federal vs. Private Loans,” FederalStudentAid, https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/federal-vs-private (Accessed August 20, 2025.) Sec. 81001, One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Pub. L. 119-21) Stripe. How to Determine Creditworthiness and Build Your Credit Written by: Dr. Beatrice Williams