Thinking about becoming a dental assistant? Great choice! These jobs are in high demand, pay well, and you get the bonus of helping people while working in a fun team environment.
Sounds like a win-win, right?
Getting certified is essential if you want to land a fantastic job. Online dental assistant programs can cost as little as $2,000 and take just a few months to complete. You’ll pick up everything from assisting with dental procedures to managing office tasks.
With so many choices out there, you’re bound to find a program that fits your schedule and budget.
1) DALE Foundation’s DANB Certified Dental Assistant Exam
If you want to become a certified dental assistant, the DALE Foundation is your go-to.
They offer a comprehensive exam prep bundle to help you ace the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam.
This package is packed with everything you need to prepare for the test.
You’ll have access to practice tests and review courses that cover all the exam topics.
Talk about a confidence booster!
And the best part? You can study at your own pace.
The CDA practice tests are interactive, making it easy to study on your phone, tablet, or laptop.
You can even bookmark tricky questions to revisit later!
Not sure where to start? The DALE Foundation has broken down all the info, making it easier to focus on what you need to study.
Remember, passing that exam takes hard work, but with the right tools, you’ll tackle it like a pro.
2) Penn Foster Dental Assistant Career Diploma
If you’re looking to jump into the dental field, the Penn Foster Dental Assistant Career Diploma is a solid pick.
This online program lets you learn at your own pace, which is perfect if you’ve got a busy life.
You’ll cover the essentials of dental assisting in 10 courses, including 27.4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and 16 exams.
Don’t worry; it’s not as daunting as it sounds!
Want to speed things up? You could wrap it up in about three months! Most students take around seven months to finish the program, so you have some flexibility.
The curriculum’s engaging, covering everything from dental office management to tooth anatomy and even how to handle dental emergencies.
Plus, infection control is a major focus—super important in this field!
One cool aspect of Penn Foster is that their coursework is mobile-friendly.
You can hit the books on your phone or tablet whenever you find a spare moment.
They even offer virtual simulations to give you a taste of what it’s like in a dental setting.
If you need extra help, Penn Foster’s personal coaches are like your own cheerleaders.
They’ll support you as you work towards your new career.
It’s like having a buddy by your side!
3) Ashworth College Dental Assisting Program
Want to become a dental assistant without leaving your couch? Check out the Dental Office Assistant training at Ashworth College.
This online program makes it super convenient to learn at your own speed.
You’ll jump into topics like dental office basics and teamwork in dentistry.
Their course curriculum covers everything from dental tools to patient care.
One neat perk about Ashworth is their flexible payment options.
You can start your journey for just $20 down.
And if you enroll soon, you might snag up to $300 in tuition savings!
The program is designed to prepare you for success in the job market.
You’ll pick up skills that dental offices are on the lookout for, like appointment management and patient interactions.
By the end, you’ll confidently take your first steps towards a dental office career—all from the comfort of your home.
No stress about fitting into class schedules or dealing with a long commute!
4) Herzing University Dental Assisting Programs
Thinking about becoming a dental assistant? Herzing University has some excellent options to get you on your way.
They offer two main programs designed to help kickstart your career.
First up is their Diploma in Dental Assisting.
This 47-credit program teaches you all the dental assisting basics.
You’ll cover pre-clinical work, dental science, and even how to manage a dental office.
If you’re looking for something a bit more advanced, check out their Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting.
This program dives deeper into the field, giving you a well-rounded education.
Both programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, which means they meet high standards—definitely something to consider when choosing where to study.
Herzing also offers a Certificate of Completion in Dental Radiology.
This 80-hour course is perfect for anyone wanting to specialize in dental x-rays.
These programs aim to make you job-ready by equipping you with essential skills that dentists want in their assistants.
5) Purdue University Global Dental Assistant Certificate
Ready to kickstart your dental assistant journey? Check out Purdue University Global’s online dental assistant certificate program.
It’s a fantastic way to learn without ever stepping foot in a classroom.
This program covers all the basics you need to know, including dental procedures, office management, and patient care.
The cherry on top? You can wrap it up in just a few months!
Purdue Global is known for delivering quality education, and their online platform makes learning flexible.
You can study when it fits into your day.
The course includes hands-on training too, with opportunities to practice in real dental settings—super valuable when you’re job hunting!
When you finish, you’ll be ready to take the Certified Dental Assistant exam, which opens the door to fantastic job opportunities in dental offices.
6) Florida Health Careers Institute Dental Assisting Program
Looking to jumpstart your dental assisting career? The Florida Health Careers Institute has a program that packs a punch, giving you the skills you need in just six months.
You’ll get a solid mix of classroom learning and hands-on practice.
This program includes 142 hours in theory, 76 hours in lab work, and a 160-hour externship—great prep for the real world.
The goal here is to prepare you for entry-level dental assistant positions.
You’ll learn about dental procedures, patient care, and office tasks, plus gain experience with dental tools and equipment.
The best part? In less than a year, you could be stepping into your new career.
Perfect if you’re eager to get into the workforce quickly!
This school also offers job placement assistance, giving you tips on writing resumes and acing interviews.
Those extra resources can make a world of difference in your job search after graduation.
Accreditation and Recognition
When choosing a program, make sure it’s accredited by CODA (the Commission on Dental Accreditation).
Why should you care? Because it means employers will take your certification seriously.
Plus, you’ll be all set for the CDA exam—the Certified Dental Assistant exam is a big deal.
Some states have specific requirements too.
Always check what’s needed in your state before you sign up, so you don’t waste time on courses that won’t count where you live.
Course Content and Structure
What’s really in the course? Look at what it teaches.
Does it cover all the basics you’ll need?
A solid program should touch on:
- Dental tools and materials
- X-rays and imaging
- Patient care and comfort
- Infection control
- Office management
Think about your learning style.
Do you thrive with hands-on experience? Then find a course that offers plenty of practical training.
If life’s hectic, an online course might be your best bet.
And don’t forget to check the course length.
Some are speedy, while others take more time.
Pick one that fits your schedule but still gives you the thorough training you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Diving into dental assistant certification courses brings lots of advantages.
Getting the right info is essential to picking the best program for your goals.
These programs cover key skills like patient care, dental procedures, and office management.
Researching accredited options, including top dental hygienist courses, ensures you receive quality education and boost your job prospects.
Choosing the right course could pave the way for better opportunities in your dental career.
What are the perks of taking an online dental assistant certification course?
Online courses offer you flexibility.
You can study when it fits your schedule—awesome if you’re juggling work or family.
Many programs, like the Penn Foster Dental Assistant Career Diploma, let you learn at your own pace.
You can also save money with online classes.
No need to spend on gas or parking just to get on campus!
How do I find the best dental assistant certification programs near me?
Start by checking out local colleges and trade schools; you’ll often find solid dental assistant programs there.
You can also search online for “dental assistant programs” along with your city or state name.
Don’t forget about online options too.
Programs like Ashworth College’s Dental Assisting Program let you train from the comfort of your home.
Are free dental assistant courses available, and how do they stack up against paid programs?
Some schools offer free introductory courses, giving you a sneak peek into what dental assisting is about.
But they’re usually short and won’t lead to a full certification.
Paid programs, such as the DALE Foundation’s DANB Certified Dental Assistant Exam prep course, offer more in-depth training.
They often include hands-on practice, which is crucial for success in this field.
What are the differences between dental assistant programs in California and other states?
California has a few unique requirements for dental assistants.
Their programs often include extra training on things like x-rays and coronal polishing, which might not be required elsewhere.
Programs in California also prep you specifically for the state’s exam, which is different from the national exam used in many other places.
Which certification do dental assistants need to advance in their careers?
The Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential is a significant one.
Many dental assistants pursue this through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
Programs like Herzing University’s Dental Assisting Programs prepare you for this exam.
Some states have their own certifications too, so check what’s required where you aim to work.
What factors influence the earning potential of a dental assistant?
Your skills and certifications play a huge role in your pay.
The more you know, the more you can earn!
Your location matters as well—big cities often offer higher salaries than small towns.
Experience is key; the longer you’re in the job, the more you can typically expect to make.
Specializing in areas like orthodontics can also give your paycheck a boost.