Dental Assistant

Join the growing dental healthcare field and gain the in-demand skills needed to give excellent dental care to patients. As a dental assistant, you can jumpstart your career in the medical field and make a difference in the lives of your patients — without years of schooling.

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A dental assistant inspects the mouth of a patient

A dental assistant and dentist inspect the mouth of a patient

This Dental Assistant Program Is A Great Fit For:

Individuals interested in a career in healthcare
Recent high school graduates
Any student, healthcare professional, or aspiring healthcare worker who’s looking to join a booming field with opportunities for growth

About the Online Dental Assistant Certificate Program

Course Length

4-6 Months

Time Commitments

15-20 Hours Per Week

Certifications

How Much Does a Dental Assistant Certificate Cost?

We believe higher education should be accessible to everyone. You can choose to pay in full or enroll in a convenient payment plan. Connect with an admissions counselor to explore the payment options available to you.

Total cost of program

$4,000*

*Payment Plan Details: Enrollment requires a minimum deposit of $500. Installment payments will begin 30 days after the course start date.

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The Dental Assistant certificate program prepares students for entry-level positions in one of the fastest growing healthcare professions. This program covers the history of dentistry, introduction to the dental office, the legal aspects of dentistry, introduction to oral anatomy, dental operatory, introduction to tooth structure (primary and permanent teeth), the oral cavity, and other areas. This program's purpose is to familiarize learners with all areas of administrative and clinical dental assisting, focusing on the responsibilities required to function as an assistant in a dental practice.

After completing this program, learners will become eligible to earn a nationally recognized credential national through two industry-leading organizations:

National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Dental Assistant Clinical Certification (DACC)
Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Radiation Health and Safety (RHS)

Dental Assistant Fast Facts

PROJECTED GROWTH OF DENTAL ASSISTANT EMPLOYMENT

56,400

NUMBER OF DENTAL ASSISTANT JOB OPENINGS PER YEAR

Dental Assistant Career Paths

Dental Assistant
Dental Office Manager
Dental Sales Representative
Dental Insurance Claims Processor Assistant
Dental Lab Technician
Dental Hygiene Educator
Dental Hygienist (Additional Education Required)
Dentist (Additional Education Required)
Dental Surgeon (Additional Education Required)

“Iowa offers the 16th highest average salary in the nation ($41,100) for dental assistants, ranking ahead of much more populated states like California and Florida.”

- FORBES

Interested In A Healthcare Career, But Not Sure Where To Start?

Download our FREE Finding My Career Path Guide. This PDF (5-min read) is packed with all the resources you need to make an informed decision about your future:

A sample profile of a healthcare job, including salary and job outlook through 2031.
A “Day in the Life” job description to help you picture yourself working your new healthcare career.
The 10 questions you need to ask yourself to determine if healthcare is right for you.

An illustration of a dentist and patienr sitting in a chair

Related Certificate Programs at St. Ambrose University

A man wearing scrubs and with a stethoscope around his neck looks at the camera for a portait. His arms are folded.

Clinical Medical Assistant

Is this Dental Assistant Certificate Program right for me?

If you have some or many of the following personality traits, abilities or desires, a career as a dental assistant may be a great fit!

Are you interested in working closely with patients and providing essential dental care and support?
Do you enjoy collaborating in a team-oriented environment within the dental field?
Are you excited about learning diverse dental procedures and utilizing advanced technologies?
Are you willing to learn how to handle dental instruments and equipment?
Are you motivated by the prospect of helping patients achieve and maintain oral health?
Do you possess good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for performing dental tasks?
Are you a good listener and communicator, capable of empathizing with patients and addressingtheir concerns effectively?

Why Choose St. Ambrose University?

The Dental Assistant Certificate Program at St. Ambrose University offers students:

Flexible scheduling options, which allow you to balance your studies with personal commitments.
A program with an emphasis on professionalism, ethics and patient-centered care.
Affordable tuition fees and financing options for those who qualify.
Convenient and accessible learning from anywhere in the U.S. — without geographical constraints.
Supportive online community and resources for networking and career development.

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