Best Dental Assisting Schools In Matthews, North Carolina 2025

Dental assisting is an essential profession within the healthcare sector, offering support to dentists, aiding in patient care, and ensuring the smooth operation of dental practices. Matthews, North Carolina presents an excellent backdrop for pursuing dental assisting programs due to its growing population, advantageous location near major cities like Charlotte, and a flourishing dental industry. The proximity to urban centers means students benefit from networking opportunities and access to a variety of clinical placements, providing valuable hands-on experience during their training.

Matthews possesses a tight-knit community feel with robust educational resources, helping students to succeed academically and professionally. The combination of high-quality education, dedicated faculty, and connection to local healthcare facilities positions Matthews as an ideal locale for those looking to embark on a dental assisting career.

When applying to dental assisting programs in Matthews, prospective students should be aware of the following general admission requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED: Most programs require applicants to have completed high school or attained a GED equivalent.

• Prerequisite Coursework: Students may need to complete specific courses before admission, which typically include subjects like biology, chemistry, and algebra.

• Minimum GPA: A minimum GPA set by the institution might be required for program acceptance, commonly around 2.5 or higher.

• Application Form: Prospective students need to fill out a formal application to the program they wish to join.

• Letters of Recommendation: Some schools may ask for letters from academic instructors or professionals in the dental field to support the application.

• Personal Statement: An essay outlining the applicant's career goals and reasons for choosing dental assisting may also be requested.

• Background Check: Due to the nature of the job, some programs require prospective students to undergo a criminal background check.

Students should check with specific schools, as requirements may vary.

Tuition for dental assisting programs in Matthews typically varies based on the institution, program length, and whether the student is in-state or out-of-state. Here’s a general overview:

• Tuition Range: Costs can range from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on whether the program is a certificate or an associate degree. Shorter, accelerated programs are usually less expensive.

• Additional Costs: Students should also budget for supplies, textbooks, uniforms, and lab fees, which can add several hundred dollars to overall expenses.

• Financial Aid Options: Available financial aid options in Matthews include:

  • Federal Grants: Such as Pell Grants, which do not require repayment.
  • Scholarships: Many dental schools offer merit-based or need-based scholarships.
  • Student Loans: Federal and private student loans can help finance education, subject to credit requirements.
  • Work-Study Programs: Opportunities may be available through local dental practices or the school.

Students are encouraged to explore these options and submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) early to maximize their financial aid possibilities.