Dental Assistant: Online Certificate Program

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.

A dental assistant inspects the mouth of a patient
A dental assistant and dentist inspect the mouth of a patient

This Dental Assistant Certificate 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 icon

COURSE LENGTH

14 weeks

TIME COMMITMENT icon

TIME COMMITMENT

15-20 Hours Per Week

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TUITION

$4,000*

*You can pay as little as $261 per month. For full payment options and different financing plans, including interest rates from external lenders, please talk to our enrollment team.

In our Dental Assistant Certificate Program, you will learn about dental anatomy, dental procedures, patient communication, infection control and medical emergencies. You will also learn how to perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records and billing.

Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam and become a Certified Dental Assistant, which is recognized by many employers as a measure of competency and professionalism.

Dental Assistant Fast Facts

8%

PROJECTED GROWTH OF DENTAL ASSISTANT EMPLOYMENT

56,400

NUMBER OF DENTAL ASSISTANT JOB OPENINGS PER YEAR

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

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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.

Inquire Today

Ready to begin your career journey or have more questions? Connect with a Workforce Training Specialist today!

Thank you for your interest, you have an exciting journey ahead!

Schedule a call with your Workforce Development Specialist!