Financial Aid Options for Dental Assistant Students: How to Make Training More Affordable

If you’re looking for a new career in the dental industry, you don’t have to spend years going to a university. You can potentially attend dental assistant programs in New York for as little as 6-9 months while also spending far less on classes.

However, if you need some help with your payments, don’t worry. There are plenty of options for dental assistant financial aid to help you start your new career.

Five Ways To Find Dental Assistant Financial Aid

1. Explore federal grants, scholarships, and FAFSA options.

Federal grants and scholarships, applied through the Federal FAFSA program, are also available to dental assistant trainees. Your very first step should be filling out the FAFSA application and learning if you qualify for any government aid.

2. Understand student loans and repayment plans.

Student loans are almost always an option, even for people with poor credit. However, be certain you fully understand the loans, terms, and repayment plans before you sign up. Dental assistant programs in NY typically cost in the area of $10,000. That’s far less than you’d pay for a university degree, but it’s still a lot of debt to carry.

3. Look for school-based financial aid and payment plans.

Many accredited dental assistant programs offer their own internal financial aid, either in the form of grants or loans. They can also help you uncover lesser-known programs or grants you might not find on your own. Once you’ve chosen a dental assistant school, be sure to contact their financial aid office for advice.

4. Check employer tuition assistance programs.

Another option is to receive assistance from a future employer. If there happens to be a particular clinic or dental hospital you want to work at, contact them to see if they offer any training assistance. Some practices need dental assistants so badly that they’ll pay for your training in exchange for a locked-in work contract after you graduate.

5. Tips for reducing education costs and avoiding debt.

• Save money beforehand or have some form of income. Don’t live off your loans unless you can’t possibly avoid it; this only adds to your long-term costs.
• If you take a loan, do whatever it takes to make your payments on time every month. Late fees add up quickly and could lead to defaults or even legal action.
• Study! Study! Study! Pass your classes and certification on the first try. Put in the hard work now to save yourself money down the line.
• Think about your future finances and your ROI. The average annual wage for an NY dental assistant is around $50,000. How can you budget to pay off your loan as quickly as possible and start really earning?

The Westchester School for Medical & Dental Assistants is one of the top dental assistant programs in NY. You can get your certification in as little as 6-9 months! If you need help, dental assistant financial aid is also available – just contact us to learn more.