Financing Information

•  Some WIOA and SNAP counties are currently experiencing a funding shortage for training programs. Please check with your local WIOA/ American Job Center to see if your county is affected.  

If your county is affected, please reach out to us at info@dentalstaffschooltn.com to see what other payment options might be available. 

 WIOA (Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act) is a federally funded grant administered by the United States Department of Labor. It covers training expenses for individuals who have been laid off from employment, or whose household income is at or below the federal poverty level. The purpose of the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act is to prepare eligible Adults, Dislocated Workers, and Youth for entry into the labor market. Dental Staff School of Tennessee (DSSTN) is on the Eligible Training Providers List (ETPL).

 

The best way to start is to go to https://www.tn.gov/workforce/jobs-and-education/job-search1/find-local-american-job-center.html to input your zip code and find the address and phone number of the career center closest to you.   The next step is to talk with a career coach to find out if you are eligible. 

SNAP and SkillUP are additional grant programs offered that may award partial grant funds. You may qualify if you are currently receiving SNAP benefits. Contact your local American Job Center if you are receiving SNAP benefits and they can put you in touch with a career coach for SNAP. 

The SNAP E&T program helps SNAP participants gain skills and find work that moves them forward to self-sufficiency. Through SNAP E&T, SNAP participants have access to training and support services to help them enter or move up in the workforce. These programs also help to reduce barriers to work by providing support services – such as transportation and childcare – as participants prepare for and obtain employment.

You can  apply for SKILLUP online at http://skillup.tennessee.edu  (click on participants) or access the direct link for the application here at http://tiny.utk.edu/SkillUpTN .

Please note the WIOA, SKILL UP, and SNAP E&T application process takes several weeks, so please do not delay in getting started. 

You may also find additional information on the Nashville Career Advancement Center web site at www.NCACWorkforce.org and/or at the Workforce Essentials web site www.workforceessentials.com which is the center closest to the Dental Staff School of Tennessee. 

11/28/2025