Help Me Become the First Dentist in My Family

My Story:

Hi, my name is Katerina, and I am a 24-year-old woman from Sydney seeking your help to keep my dental dream alive.

I have recently been accepted into the Doctor of Dental Medicine program at the University of Queensland. I was quite literally jumping for joy when I received my offer, but now I am overcome with stress about how I might fund this new venture.

I had initially hoped to join the Australian Defence Force to help pay for my degree, yet I was denied entrance because of ADHD, making me 'medically unfit' for service.

With a total of 64 units, and each unit's individual cost of $4765, completion of this dental degree amounts to an exorbitant $304,960 in tuition fees; a cost that I cannot afford on my own.

I just completed the Bachelor of Oral Health at the University of Sydney and have spent the last three years in clinical training. During this time, I witnessed the incredible disparity in healthcare services in lower socioeconomic groups. I volunteered my skills to Indigenous Australian communities, but due to my limited scope of practice, I was restricted in providing all the aspects of dental care that my patients desperately needed. By completing my future studies, I plan to increase accessibility to dental care for those who need it most. But for now, I am in need of financial assistance to fund and achieve this goal.

Why I Need Your Help:

Australia faces a critical shortage of accessible dental care, particularly within the public health system. I am committed to being part of the solution by building my career in public dentistry, helping reduce waiting times and improving access to quality care.

While the government’s FEE-HELP loan program has eased some of the burden, I have only $76,000 remaining on my HELP balance after completing my undergraduate studies. To solely meet the tuition fees, I need an additional $116,000 to complete my studies. This estimate includes the government's prospective plans to reduce my HELP debt by 20% and increase the HELP limit to $182,000 in June 2025.

Dental Care Should Not Be a Privilege:

Dental care should not be a privilege. Dental care should not depend on where you live or how much you earn. Dental care should be accessible to everyone because everyone deserves an equal opportunity to live without pain, embarrassment, or fear.

This is the belief that drives me to pursue a career in public dentistry. I strive to be involved in public health policy and health promotion on a much larger scale. I want to provide essential oral health education for children and adolescents, where healthy habits begin. Your support will help me achieve this vision. Together, we can ensure that essential oral health care is available to all who need it, not just those who can afford it.

What Your Support Means:

By contributing $20 today to my GoFundMe campaign, you’re helping me:

How You Can Help:

Every contribution, no matter the size, gets me closer to this goal. Your donation will go directly to funding my tuition fees. If you are unable to donate, sharing my story with your networks can help to make a huge difference. Whether it’s $2, $5, or $20, your help will go a long way.

Thank You:

I am deeply grateful for your kindness and generosity. By supporting my education, you’re not just helping me—you’re contributing to a future where more Australians have access to the dental care they deserve. Thank you for believing in me and for helping make this dream a reality.