I am a dental assistant who wants to upgrade to a hygienist.how do i get the help i need to move forward?

I have lots of bills and dont know how i will be able to pay them when i go to school?

I am a dental assistant who wants to upgrade to a hygienist.how do i get the help i need to move forward?
Apply for scholarships at the community college.
Reply:Call or email the dental hygiene school in your area and find out their requirements for applying. You will need some basic college credits, but how many will be determined by what type of program you enter. Grade point is very important as well as ACT score. The hygiene program in my state requires 3.6 GPA and 21 ACT score. Community service work is also a bonus for your resume. You already have the dental experience. Check into Pell Grants if your income level is low and other grants that are available in your state. Your college advisors will usually know possible grants available, so give them a call. Its not a quick fix answer I know. Look for a 2 year program possibly at a Technical School if you have one in your area.


If you live in a rural area and you've worked for your dentist awhile see if he/she would sponsor you to go to Hygiene School and you could then have a contract to work for him when you are finished...just an idea.


Some schools are starting online classes for hygiene. Not sure if yours does, but that would allow you to be able to work and get some classes out of the way too.
Reply:I am currently a Dental Hygiene student in my senior year. It is a very expensive program to get into. Not only do you have to pay for tuition but you have to buy your own instruments and often rent equipment. I would try to get into a 2 year school rather than a 4 year, it will cut down on 2 years of tuition payments. Apply for FASFA and any scholarships that the college might provide. I would also recommend taking out a loan. Dental Hygiene curriculum is very VERY time consuming. Also search the internet for academic scholarships- it may only be for $100 but it will at least buy you a book.





Also, try buying used books and supplies from graduating seniors. Good Luck! It's worth it.
Reply:Contact your local Unemployment office(yes unemployment office) and request information about the WIA program. The WIA progam provides one-time grants up to $4000 to people to get job training/education/skills. You don't have to be unemployed. (I am a Social Worker)
Reply:Being a dental assistant must not pay very much??? If you are short of cash to pay your bills you need to get a second job when your not working as a DA.... Sorry, I do not know the upgrade education requirements or state board exams to be a hygienist...