Becoming a dental assistant—someone who works in a dental office to assist with equipment and patient care, record keeping, appointment scheduling, and more—can be a great opportunity for many individuals looking for entry-level jobs in the healthcare field.
However, pursuing higher education in dentistry to become a licensed dental assistant can be expensive, whether it’s a four-year bachelor’s degree or a two-year associate’s degree. Luckily financial aid for dental assistant programs makes higher education in the field more accessible and allows students to pursue their educational goals.
In this article, we’ll dive into scholarships and grants for dental assistant programs, including amounts and eligibility criteria. You’ll also learn more about some of the schools that accept financial aid.
Does FAFSA Cover Dental Assistant School?
In many cases, FAFSA does cover dental assistant schools. This and the Federal Pell Grant are popularly accepted government-funded grants. However, you will still have to confirm that the particular school you’re applying to accepts this student aid. Many dental assistant schools accept Pell Grants, but they also offer their own financial aid options and need-based funding.
How to Find Financial Aid for Dental Assistant Programs
- Dentalcareernow.com. This online educational platform connects students with a school in the industry that suits their academic goals. They have partnered with various schools across the U.S. to share information about programs and opportunities, and they also have information on available financial aid options at different schools.
- Medicaltechnologyschools.com. MTS is an online platform that focuses on medical technology and patient care, including dental assisting. It has a page dedicated to providing information on dental assistant scholarships available each year.
- Grantsformedical.com. Grants for Medical is an online platform dedicated to helping students find grants for their medical education, regardless of the field. There is information for medical health education grants and dental assistant grants. It also includes information on how to apply for grants in dental assistant schools.
- Studentaid.gov. This is the official website for U.S. Federal Student Aid, with lots of helpful information available for students and parents looking for financial aid options. Here, you can get details on multiple funding options and the application process.
- Contact the school administration. To know if a school offers or accepts financial aid, you can contact the admissions office. This is one of the fastest ways to get quick information on financial aid, and the representative will let you know about available options.
Financial Aid: The Best Scholarships and Grants for Dental Assistant Programs
| Scholarship or Grant Name | Provider | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1Dental Scholarship | 1Dental | $500 |
| Merit Scholar Award | American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) | One-year paid ADAA membership |
| ADAA/DANB Scholarship | American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) and Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) | $250–$1,000 |
| Chinese American Medical Society Scholarship Program | Chinese American Medical Society | $5,000 |
| The DTA Foundation Scholarship Program | Dental Trade Alliance Foundation | Up to $25,000 |
| Steven Cutter Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Student | The Foundation for Seacoast Health | Up to $7,500 |
| Hispanic Dental Association Foundation Scholarship Program | Hispanic Dental Association Foundation | Up to $5,000 |
| Indian Health Services Scholarships | Indian Health Services | Tuition, monthly stipend of $1,500+ & one-time educational payments |
| The NDAF Colgate-Palmolive Audacity to Dream Scholarship Program | National Dental Association Foundation (NDAF) | $5,000–$20,000 |
| Health Care Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) | University of Connecticut Health | Varies |
Financial Aid Resources for Dental Assistant Programs
Below is a brief description of the best scholarships and grants for dental assistant programs. These programs have been giving out scholarship awards to outstanding dental assistant students for many years, in amounts ranging from several hundred dollars to more than $20,000.
1Dental Scholarship | 1Dental
The 1Dental company provides affordable dental savings plans as an alternative to insurance in an effort to offer better dental care options. This organization offers a $500 scholarship to one student each year attending 2-year, 4-year, and trade/technical schools. To apply, you can fill out a form on their website.
Merit Scholar Award | American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)
ADAA is the official national association for dental assistants in America. It exists to help dental assistants succeed through education, accreditation, and professional activities in dental assistance. This organization offers several scholarship awards to dental assistants, including the Merit Scholar Award.
This award program is for disadvantaged students who have demonstrated academic and clinical excellence, teamwork, and leadership qualities based on campus programs and community activities. All student members currently enrolled in a CODA-approved program can apply for this scholarship.
ADAA/DANB Scholarship | American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) and Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
This scholarship award is given to both dental professional and dental assisting students interested in furthering their education in the dental assisting field. It’s awarded annually to ADAA members who demonstrate a strong commitment to career growth and learning within the dental assisting field.
Chinese American Medical Society Scholarship Program | Chinese American Medical Society
CAMS offers scholarship opportunities every year to three to five medical students who have been exceptional students and need financial assistance. The scholarship is open to current or pending CAM students in their first, second, or third year of medical or dental school. They must also be in good standing in an accredited U.S. medical or dental program at the time of the application in order to receive the scholarship.
The DTA Foundation Scholarship Program | Dental Trade Alliance Foundation
This scholarship program is designed to assist students who show academic excellence, financial need, and service to the community. In 2019, the scholarship amount available reached up to $25,000 each year. To be eligible, applicants must be full-time students at an accredited U.S. dental school, express financial need, have solid academic performance and community service, and be nominated by their school’s dean.
Steven Cutter Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Student | The Foundation for Seacoast Health
This scholarship is designed to promote the health and well-being of Seacoast residents. It is given to students who perform remarkably in their academics, have outstanding personal achievements, show leadership skills, and are involved in community service activities. It is only available to residents of select cities on the East Coast.
Hispanic Dental Association Foundation Scholarship Program | Hispanic Dental Association Foundation
This award supports dental students in the Hispanic community through education by awarding grants and scholarships. It is available to students in dental hygiene, dental assisting, and dental laboratory technology programs who show interest in scientific and clinical knowledge during their education program.
Indian Health Services Scholarships | Indian Health Services
This scholarship is for qualified American Indian and Alaska Native health professional students to support their education and pre-professional careers. In exchange for a two-year service commitment within an Indian health program in any health-related discipline, it provides financial support to students.
The NDAF Colgate-Palmolive Audacity to Dream Scholarship Program | National Dental Association Foundation (NDAF)
This scholarship is a commitment by Colgate-Palmolive to help talented young dentists who can’t pay for their education. It was designed to increase the awareness of education in Black America. The award consists of one $5,000, two $10,000 scholarships, and one $20,000 scholarship. The award is given to students who show excellent leadership, community service, and research skills.
Health Care Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) | University of Connecticut Health
The University of Connecticut offers multiple HCOPs to assist students in medicine and dental programs, including scholarships, forgivable loans, and student support. The program will help to relieve the financial burden for these students. It covers varying amounts as high as full tuition fees for up to four years of medical school or dental school.
Dental Assistant Schools That Accept Financial Aid
Westchester School for Dental Assistants
Westchester is a dental and medical assistant school that trains students in skills required for entry-level employment in these fields. The school offers full-time and part-time programs. Students have financial aid options, including Pell Grants, tuition payment plans, private and state grants, subsidized and unsubsidized loans, and parent loans.
Odessa Dental Assistant School
Odessa is a dental assisting school that helps students join the workforce by providing them with the relevant knowledge, skills, and training. It offers hybrid classes located in Odessa, TX, combining both in-person and online training. The school is determined to help students graduate without student debt and, therefore, has affordable tuition and flexible payment plans.
AAA School of Dental Assisting (SODA)
AAA SODA is a dental assisting school in Florida. It’s designed to provide students with industry-focused training, flexible class timing, state-recognized certification, and job placement in the dental practice. It also offers tuition assistance to help students who can’t afford the tuition costs, including consolidated and flexible payment plans and third-party financing.
The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants
This is a school for medical and dental assistants designed to provide students with the technical training required to join the workforce. It has two training program options that will prepare its students for entry-level jobs in the medical and dental fields.
It has several financial aid options for eligible students in the form of Pell Grants, Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (SEOG), subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loans, and parent loans. It also has flexible tuition payment plans, private and state grants, vouchers, and honors veteran’s benefits.
Sunrise School of Dental Assisting
Sunrise School is designed to equip students with the job training required to start a rewarding career in the dentistry field. The classes are taken in the evening to allow for flexibility. This school offers several financial aid programs, including monthly payments, private loans, and tuition assistance through a post-9/11 GI Bill and military discount.
Should You Apply for Dental Assistant Programs Financial Aid?
For many people, applying for financial aid for a dental assistant program can be a good choice. These financial options exist to help low-income students pursue their educational and career goals without cost pressure. Student aid typically includes scholarships and grants which don’t require payback or charge interest, minimizing education costs and helping you achieve your career goals.
However, if you decide to pursue a loan, it’s important to remember to read the terms and conditions that you’re agreeing to carefully. And keep in mind that you’ll typically end up paying more than the original tuition amount through interest.
Financial Aid for Dental Assistant Programs: Frequently-Asked Questions
What dental assistant gets paid the most?
Surgical dental assistants get paid the most and make a median annual salary of $63,000, according to Glassdoor.1 This amount is significantly higher than the median annual salary of general dental assistants, which Glassdoor puts at $54,000 in 2025.2
What are some examples of financial aid you may be able to get to help pay for college?
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Financial aid options that you might get to help pay for college are scholarships, federal and state grants, student loans, and flexible payment plans. The number and types of aid available will vary by program.
Can you work as a dental assistant without being certified?
Whether or not you can work as a dental assistant without certification depends on which state you live in. Most states require you to have a license before working as a dental assistant, but some do not. Regardless, being certified will build essential skills and open more career doors.
How much do dental assistants make?
According to Glassdoor in 2025, dental assistants make a median average salary of $54,000.2 However, this is subject to change based on various factors like your state, area of specialty, industry, company, and skill level.
Sources
1https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/surgical-dental-assistant-salary-SRCH_KO0,25.htm
2https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/dental-assistant-salary-SRCH_KO0,16.htm
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