How Much Does it Cost to Go to School for a Dental Assistant?
The cost of living routinely fluctuates, making it a wise choice to invest in your future and become a dental assistant. The job outlook is promising, with experts predicting a growth of 8% through 2023, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The profession offers a stable income, and as an added bonus, you work in an industry where you help people feel better about themselves and help them stay healthy.
However, before choosing to enroll in a program, it is important to consider how much it costs to go to school for a dental assistant. Let’s dive into the costs of becoming a dental assistant and see how those costs break down so you can decide how to pay for school and achieve your goals.
How Much Does it Cost to Become a Dental Assistant?
Your out-of-pocket costs to become a dental assistant will vary depending on factors like the type of program and state certification requirements. The state of California continues to allow on-the-job training at dental offices. While this typically does not cost you anything initially, your overall salary is lower, and it can take many years until you are eligible to become a registered dental assistant.
A state-approved program can take anywhere between nine to 12 months for a certificate and up to two years to earn an associate degree. After completing these programs, you are usually eligible to take the examination to be a registered dental assistant in California. Each of these factors influences the overall cost of becoming a dental assistant.
An associate degree can cost up to $12,000 for a two-year program, while a certification program may cost from $3,000 to $6,000, depending on whether the program is state board approved, which makes you eligible to be a registered dental assistant in California.
What Is the Cost Breakdown of Going to Dental Assistant School?
The tuition and fees for going to school to be a dental assistant are heavily influenced by whether you are attending a two-year associate degree or a certificate program. The overall cost is typically the total of all tuition and fees for the program.
The fees can include:
- Books
- Lab fees
- Materials
- Registration
- Extra costs for clinicals
The costs at Kingsburg School of Dental Assisting in California include a non-refundable registration fee and tuition. There are no additional fees for books, materials, labs, or non-institutional costs. The charge is all-inclusive for the education and content you receive while attending the program.
As you are considering your overall costs, do not forget some of the additional expenses that are not included in tuition and fees, such as travel for hands-on training, which may include gas and parking fees, childcare while attending classes or studying, and the cost of taking the registration examination in California. The cost of the examination includes the application fee, examination fee, and fingerprinting fees that vary by location.
What Are My Options To Pay for School?
There are several options you should consider to help pay for dental assistant school. These include:
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Personal savings
- Private student loans
- Federal student loans
- Employer sponsorship
You will often need to seek these options out and apply. At Kingsburg School of Dental Assisting, we can help start the process for you by connecting you with grant programs and nonprofit organizations that may offer financial assistance. You can also call us for details about several programs within the area that offer scholarships and grants to support your education.
Call Us To Learn More About the Costs of Dental Assistant School
We understand how difficult it can be to switch careers or begin a new one, and we want you to be comfortable with your choice. Reach out to us today to speak with one of our staff members who can provide information and answer your questions about how much it costs to go to school for a dental assistant. Although this can feel like an intimidating step, we are here to help every step of the way.
