What You Need to Know About Dental Assistant School Financial Aid

Are you interested in changing career tracks to become a dental assistant, but are worried about how to pay for it?  Don’t worry!  Dental assistant school financial aid exists, and there are definitely options for how to pay for your training.  You’ve got quite a few choices, and of course, your dental assistant school will be happy to help you navigate the paperwork.

Every person’s situation is different, so we can’t give you personalized advice unless you contact our financial aid department directly.  However, we can cover some of the basics.

Three Things You Should Know About Dental Assistant School Financial Aid

1. Dental assistant schools aren’t that expensive

First and foremost, it’s important to keep in mind that training at most dental assistant schools is fairly inexpensive on its own – it’s certainly nowhere near as expensive as becoming a licensed dentist.  Our program, for example, is less than $8,000 even with all fees and taxes included.

So, it may be that you don’t need financial aid at all if you have some savings and would prefer to avoid the possibility of accruing more debt.  Most schools also offer friendly payment plans, if you’d prefer to pay out-of-pocket.

2. Dental assistant schools can accept Federal aid

Have you filled out your FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid?  If not, that’s definitely the first place you should start.  The majority of dental assistant school financial aid comes via Federally funded grants or loans, and you must complete a FAFSA to potentially qualify for any of them.

Depending on your financial situation, you may be able to qualify for Pell Grants, subsidized Stafford Loans (with lower-than-market interest rates), or Parent PLUS loans if you have a parent willing to help pay for your schooling.

3. Private scholarships are also an option

There are numerous entities offering scholarships to needy dental assistant students, including:

• The American Dental Association (ADA), the largest industry group in dentistry, offers numerous charitable grants to eligible students.
• The National Dental Association (NDA), also well-respected, similarly offers significant scholarships, particularly for disadvantaged minorities.
• The American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) is the first industry group specifically for dental assistants and has its own scholarship opportunities as well.

Westchester School for Dental Assistants

Plus, your financial aid department will also know about the latest in scholarships and opportunities.
If you’re interested in a career as a dental assistant, don’t let money deter you – contact us to learn more!