Money / Funding
WIOA funding for dental assistant training in East Texas
If the cost of training is what's holding you back, WIOA may cover it — at no cost to you. Here's what WIOA is, who qualifies, and the exact steps to apply through Workforce Solutions East Texas.
What is WIOA?
WIOA — the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act — is a free federal employment and training program. It's designed to help eligible job seekers get the skills and support they need to land in-demand jobs, like Registered Dental Assistant. In East Texas, WIOA is administered by Workforce Solutions East Texas, and if you qualify, it may pay for your training at no cost to you.
WIOA funding is handled directly by Workforce Solutions East Texas — Premier Dental Academy doesn't fill out the application for you. Your first step is their free WIOA interest form (linked below). Once you're approved, you can put your funding toward our RDA program.
What can WIOA cover?
If you qualify, WIOA may help pay for:
- Occupational training — this can include tuition, books, tools, supplies, work uniforms, and certification exam fees not already covered by other funding.
- Job-search assistance and job-readiness coaching
- Career exploration, assessments, and personalized career planning
- Childcare support while you're in eligible training
WIOA funds training in high-demand fields — dental assisting is exactly the kind of local, in-demand career the program is built to support.
Who qualifies?
Eligibility is based on federal guidelines and your individual situation. Generally, you must be:
- An adult, dislocated worker, or youth
- Legally allowed to work in the U.S.
- Experiencing unemployment, underemployment, or another qualifying circumstance
- Unable to reach self-sufficient employment without extra help
WIOA serves residents of these East Texas counties: Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood. Funding isn't guaranteed — availability depends on your eligibility, your county, and program budgets.
How to apply — the first step is as easy as 1, 2, 3
- Fill out the WIOA interest form. It's on the Workforce Solutions East Texas website and takes about 5 minutes. Start the WIOA interest form here.
- They'll reach out to you. Within up to 3 business days, a Workforce Solutions team member will contact you by phone, text, or email to go over your eligibility and next steps.
- Start early — the full process takes about 6–8 weeks. Because approval isn't instant, begin as soon as possible so your funding is in place in time to join the class date you want.
Workforce Solutions commits to helping you find and keep a good job. In return, you commit to following the program's guidelines, actively pursuing employment, and staying in touch with your Workforce Solutions staff during your first year of work so they can keep supporting your career.
Don't qualify, or can't wait 6–8 weeks?
WIOA isn't the only way in. Our in-person RDA program is $3,000 paid in full, or a $3,500 payment plan with just $500 down and simple weekly or monthly payments. The online program is a limited-time $397 (regularly $997). Our free funding finder can help you see which options fit your situation.
Start your WIOA interest form today.
It's free and takes about 5 minutes. Start early so your funding is ready in time for the class you want.
Open the WIOA interest form →Keep reading: Free funding finder tool · Grants & financial aid in Texas · See enrollment options
This article is general information, not a guarantee of funding. Eligibility and coverage are determined solely by Workforce Solutions East Texas. Details reflect the Workforce Solutions East Texas WIOA process as of 2026 and may change — always confirm current requirements with them directly.