How to Apply Grants for Dental Assistant School
Grants for dental assistant schools are available to obtain an education at reasonable prices. The cost of tuition and training is skyrocketing exponentially every year. It makes students look for dental assisting programs.
It has been found that the majority of students are dependent on loans to finance education costs that result in large amounts of debt in the early stages of their lives.
It causes wider economic repercussions beyond personal finance. These costs have become the top expenses that consume 50 percent of lifetime earnings.
Grants are available to aid students in their quest to reduce or eliminate the financial burden of education expenses.
Grants for Dental Assistant School – Pursuing a Dental Assistant Career
Grants for Dental Assistant School – Pursuing a Dental Assistant Career
Dental Assistants play a crucial role in dental health. Essentially, they can be considered as dentists’ extra hands, supporting them as they examine and treat patients.
They work under the guidance of dentists while assisting Dental Hygienists in their day-to-day activities.
While dental assistant job duties vary depending on the location and employer, their job role typically includes:
- Ensuring patients are comfortable
- Instructing patients in proper oral hygiene
- Sterilizing dental instruments
- Installing fixed prosthodontics
- Preparing patients and the work area for dental procedures and treatments
- Maintaining inventory for dental practices
- Assisting with oral surgeries
- Processing dental X-rays and completing lab tasks
- Handing instruments to the dentist during procedures
- Evacuating oral cavities and keeping patient’s mouth dry by using suction hoses and other equipment
- Making dental impressions
- Scheduling patient appointments
- Working with patients on billing and payment
How Much Does Dental Assistant School Cost?
The dental assistant school costs can vary depending on certain factors such as school, its location, and type of program. Generally, the prices can range anywhere from $4,000 to $16,000.
There might be some programs that involve clinical externships or functioning on advanced medical equipment. Such programs might charge a higher price.
However, it is important to research well for favored schools and ask the admissions representatives regarding tuition costs and financial aid options.
There are chances to become eligible for financial aid that can cover college expenses, such as tuition, transportation, books, equipment, and living expenses.
Grants for Dental Assistant School – Need-Based Grants
The higher tuition should not deter an individual from pursuing a dental assistant career. Therefore, need-based grants are offered according to the financial status. In other words, the lesser the income, the more are the chances of obtaining a grant.
Students who search for need-based grants are required to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
This form is a must that enrolls an applicant to receive funds from federal and state grants.
The eligibility is determined by the income disclosure element that is Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The lower the EFC, the easier it is to get need-based funding.
The main forms of federal aid given to financially needy students are the Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.
Grants for Dental Assistant School – Other Funding Sources
There are a variety of programs that support plenty of funding. Check out the list of programs that can help with dental assistant schools.
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Health Care Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP)
The HCOP program is intended to help underrepresented or economically disadvantaged medical and dental students.
This program supports these students to pursue a degree and realize their dreams of contributing to the future health care workforce in the United States.
For more details, visit https://health.uconn.edu/hcop/
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National Dental Association Foundation (NDAF)
The NDAF created an award program to support students from minority backgrounds. The funding program, also known as the Colgate-Palmolive Scholarship, worth $250, is given to one dental assistant student every year.
Dentistry students who pursue further studies can also receive higher award amounts for dental hygiene programs, graduate work, and doctoral programs.
To qualify for funding, students are required to demonstrate financial need and academic merit. They need to submit FAFSA promptly.
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Job Corps
Job Corps is a career technical training and education program run by the U.S. Department of Labor. Under this program, the financially disadvantaged students aged 16 through 24 are trained for careers, provided with housing and meals, along with a monthly allowance.
Job Corps can help to become a dental assistant for free. For more information, visit https://www.jobcorps.gov/
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American Dental Association (ADA)
The ADA offers a variety of programs to help students studying to be dental assistants. These programs are intended for minority students where they are required to meet academic merit or need-based requirements. For more information, visit https://www.adafoundation.org/en
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Directly From Schools
It is recommended to always inquire regarding grants directly at the admissions office of the schools. Most of the time, the school has funding options for which you can apply.
Grants for Dental Assistant School – Obtain Dental Education at Reasonable Prices
Conclusion
Get ready to start your dental assistant career! Dental assistants are crucial members of the dental team, supporting both dentists and administrative staff.
Dental assistant school is an investment in the future and is a popular career choice.
So don’t let the costs of education deter you from pursuing your goals. Research thoroughly and apply for grants for dental assistant schools that help students to offset their educational costs.
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