Government-funded paid dental assistant training | Zero-based entry, learn and earn
Want to enter the medical industry, but worried about the lack of experience? Government-funded paid dental assistant certification training provides you with zero-based entry opportunities, allowing you to learn and earn. Get CDA certification in 6 weeks and easily start a stable and high-paying career. Whether you are changing careers or looking for long-term development opportunities, government-funded dental assistant training is an ideal choice for success.
What are the government-funded paid dental assistant training?
1. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) or Trade Act Funding Assistance Program
WIOA is designed to help unemployed or low-income people get job training, including dental assistant training. Eligible applicants can apply for funding through local employment service centers to obtain government-funded paid career training opportunities.
2. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Apply for federal financial aid through FAFSA, and eligible applicants can receive grants to pay for dental assistant course tuition. Many vocational schools and training institutions accept FAFSA funding.
3. Paid training provided by large dental clinic chains
Many dental clinic chains offer in-house training, and there will be wages during the training. For example:
Aspen Dental: Provides paid training programs and helps students obtain dental assistant certification.
Pacific Dental Services: Works with dental schools to provide students with practical opportunities.
Dental Assistant Pro: Provides dental assistant training courses that are eligible for government funding, helping students obtain certification and enter the workplace in a short period of time.
MedCerts: An online career training platform that provides dental assistant courses and helps eligible students apply for federal funding programs.
What are the advantages of the government-funded 6-week paid dental assistant certification training?
Paid training, earn while learning: reduce financial pressure
With government-funded dental assistant certification training, you don’t have to pay high tuition fees, and you can get a salary during your studies to ensure financial stability. The average starting salary is $28-33/hour, and in some areas it can reach $37/hour. After the training, the income will be further increased.
Obtain CDA certification and improve your career competitiveness
After completing the course, you will obtain CDA (Certified Dental Assistant) qualification, which will improve your career competitiveness. CDA certified assistants usually earn 10%-20% more than uncertified assistants and are more likely to get promotion opportunities.
Provide employment opportunities to ensure smooth employment
Many training institutions work directly with dental clinics, and some students can directly get formal job opportunities after the internship.
6-week short-term training, fast employment
The course can be completed in only 6 weeks, which is faster than other medical professions (such as nurses or physical therapists). Many students get full-time jobs immediately after the internship, making the first step into the medical industry easier.
Flexible learning methods
Government-funded dental assistant certification training includes online training, allowing you to study on your own schedule. This flexibility allows you to complete the training course and smoothly enter the dental industry while maintaining a balance between life and work.
Why choose a career as a dental assistant?
Strong Industry Demand
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dental assistant employment growth is expected to grow 7% between 2023 and 2033, which is faster than average. 55,100 new dental assistant positions are expected to be added each year, mainly due to the aging population and the growing demand for dental care.
No experience required, no medical background required
More than 80% of dental assistants do not have any medical experience when they enter the industry, but they can be qualified for the job through short-term training and practice. According to the American Dental Assistant Association (ADAA), more than 50% of dental assistants have received on-the-job certification training or short-term vocational courses.
How to apply for government-funded paid dental assistant courses?
1. Find eligible government-funded programs: Visit local employment service centers or career training websites to learn the specific requirements of WIOA, FAFSA or other funding programs.
2. Choose the right training institution: Confirm whether the selected training institution accepts government funding and provides paid training opportunities.
3. Submit your application: Submit relevant materials as required by the funding program.
4. Start training: Once your application is approved, follow the training course and gain experience through internship opportunities.
What is the highest salary you can get after completing your training?
Dental Assistant: $28 - $37 per hour
Dental Clinic Administrator: $50,000 - $65,000 per year
Dental Laboratory Technician: $55,000 - $60,000 per year
Orthodontic Assistant: $25 - $38 per hour
Dental Radiographer: $55,000 - $80,000 per year
Maria's career change story
Maria was a waitress in the catering industry. Due to her unstable job and limited income, she decided to seek new career opportunities. At the suggestion of the local employment service center, she applied for the WIOA-funded dental assistant training program . Maria completed the training in 6 weeks and obtained the CDA certification . During the training, she also received an internship salary of $20 per hour. After graduation, she successfully entered a large dental clinic with a starting salary of $35/hour, and was promoted to senior dental assistant a year later, with a salary increase of 15%. Maria's career has changed dramatically, and she is confident about her future development.
What you can learn:
Basic knowledge of dentistry: tooth structure, common dental diseases and treatment methods
Clinic operation procedures: how to assist dentists in treatment, sterilize instruments, and prepare patients
Patient communication skills: how to make patients feel comfortable during treatment and provide care suggestions
X-ray operation and recording: learn how to take dental X-rays correctly and assist doctors in diagnosis
First aid and infection control: master dental clinic safety protection and emergency treatment
Whether it is the stability of the industry, career development space, or financial security during training, dental assistant is an option worth considering. If you are interested in this industry, you may wish to learn more about the relevant government-funded paid training programs to see if it fits your career plan.
Source: Government-funded paid dental assistant training programs