1998 Dodge Neon Timing belt

This engine is an interference engine
In which the possible of a valve to piston damage in the event of timing belt failure is most likely to occur
A compression check needs to be done on all cylinders

Is there a way to check the compression or damage to the valves without putting on a new timing belt?

Inspect the old belt very closely
checking for any missing teeth
and if so do not recommend turning the engine
replace the belt
if all OK
check if the timing marks are ON (you can find the timing marks under timing belt marks on the left )
and than you do the compression
if timing marks not correct replace timing belt and then do compression
good luck

When replacing the timing belt; to get tdc and the timing marks aligned you can turn the engine by hand at the crank shaft but how do you keep from damaging the valves? Also, is there any way to check if the valves are bent by not turning the engine over before I replace the timing belt?

Checking compression would be the only way other than taking the head off and removing the valves when turning to get to TDC do it slowly and if you get resistance try and turn the cam a bit should be able to do it do not force any .