1. All Healthcare Certificate Programs

Online Dental Assistant Certificate Program

U.S. Career Institute’s Online Dental Assistant Program offers 100% online classes that allow you to study any time, any place, even on your phone.

Dental Assistant Estimated Time of Completion

Estimated Length of program:
5-10 months, self-paced

Dental Assistant Certification

Certification:
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

Dental Assistant Earnings

Median Earnings:
$46,540* based on statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook.

USCI Dental Assistant Tuition

Tuition:
Payment Plan: $79/month ($1,539 total)
Pay-in-Full: $1,239 Tuition
See full tuition details.

Dental Assistant Program Goal

Program Goal:
To prepare students to take the RDA exam and gain entry-level employment as a dental assistant.

Dental Assistant Class Format

Class Format:
Online – Computer or Phone

A career as a dental assistant is an essential part of the dental care team and truly makes a positive impact on people’s lives. Discover the convenience and flexibility of our Online Dental Assistant School- a gateway to a fulfilling, in-demand profession.

  • Our Online Dental Assistant Program is designed to prepare you for the nationally recognized Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) exam administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT).
    Your RDA exam fee is included in your tuition- up to a $150 value†.
  • Dental Assistant jobs are projected to increase 8% by 2033* according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
  • Dental Assistant professional median salary $46,540*.
  • U.S. Career Institute is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.
  • U.S. Career Institute is proud to provide our Career Coach Program which gives you one-on-one access to a Career Advisor

Dental Assistant Program Overview

Online Dental Assistant Program Overview
Program Outcome:

U.S. Career Institute's Online Dental Assistant Program provides graduates with theoretical instruction and practical skills that prepare students to obtain entry-level dental assistant positions in a dentist’s office. Work alongside dentists, orthodontists, and other oral healthcare specialists. You will receive complete step-by-step illustrated lessons and virtual labs that prepare you for this rewarding, in-demand dental assistant career.

  • Apply the necessary skills to professionally perform many dental assistant duties and obtain entry-level employment in the field.
  • Perform front office administrative duties, including scheduling appointments, maintaining patient charts and claims processing procedures.
  • Adhere to federal safety, security and privacy regulations, as well as accurately maintain and handle dental records.

Dental Assistant Course Highlights:

  • Preventative Dentistry and Nutrition
  • Dental Equipment and Instruments
  • Dental Examinations
  • Front Office Procedures
  • Dental Anatomy and Terminology
  • Dental Pain Management
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Orthodontics
  • Medical Emergencies
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Dental Insurance
  • Radiology
  • Prosthodontics
  • Periodontics
  • Endodontic
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Melia Lewis Instructor

Dental Assistant Program Instructor/Course Expert

Melia Lewis, MEd, BSDH, RDH, FADHA

Melia Lewis, MEd, BSDH, RDH, FADHA, is a proud clinical dental hygienist in Utah. She grew up in the dental world and has always had a love of science and the human body. She graduated from the Utah College of Dental Hygiene in 2009 and has been working clinically or as an adjunct professor at different universities ever since either in Canada or the USA. She graduated with her Master of Education degree in 2018 from Western Governors University. She is cofounder of Hygiene Edge, an online education platform full of helpful tips and tricks to make dental professionals' lives a little bit easier. She has a passion for education and empowering dental professionals to be their best.

Dental Assistant Curriculum Breakdown

Your Dental Assistant Program is broken down into 5 units.

Instruction Pack 1 introduces students to the dental assisting career with an overview of the daily activities that occur in dental treatment facilities and the duties and responsibilities of dental assistants. Students study the importance of preventive dentistry and healthy eating habits. Students hone communications skills to effectively interact with co-workers, welcome patients and gather information. Students learn the components of a patient record and the dental assistant’s responsibilities in complying with HIPAA regulations. Pack 1 introduces students to dental equipment, instruments and materials. In addition, students explore the dental treatment area, the elements of a dental examination, dental exam techniques and learn how to measure vital signs.

Pack 2 introduces students to dental front office procedures such as scheduling appointments, maintaining inventory and ordering supplies. Students explore the biology of disease transmission and infection control. In addition, students learn how to use sterilization equipment, learn proper waste disposal, discover the importance of handwashing, gloving, glove removal procedures and the use of other PPE. Students practice dental terminology as they learn about the specific features of the oral cavity and the types of teeth, the dental arches, dentition and tooth numbering systems. Students learn how to classify and chart dental conditions and document treatment plans. Students learn how to maintain asepsis in the operatory area by using barriers and sterilization techniques, lay out instruments and materials and use correct single-handed and two-handed transfer techniques. Pack 2 concludes with instruction on the characteristics of topical, local and general anesthetics, as well as the procedures dental assistants can perform to deliver pain medications.

Students explore pediatric dentistry, orthodontia and dentistry for the disabled. They learn common procedures and how dentists treat traumatic injuries. Students identify diseases of the mouth and the effects of medical treatments. Students learn how to respond to common medical emergencies that can occur in the dental office. Finally, students explore oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures and the instruments that are used in this specialized field.

Instruction Pack 4 introduces students to dental insurance and how to determine patient eligibility and benefits and work with procedure codes to file claims. Students also learn about radiology procedures, creation of impressions and how to prepare restorative materials.

In Pack 5, students gain an overview for assisting with prosthodontic, periodontic and endodontic procedures. Students become familiar with codes of ethics and laws that affect the field of dentistry. The final lesson provides a real-world practicum that allows students the opportunity to “work” in a dental office.



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U.S. Career Institute School Benefits

Affordable monthly paymentAffordable

$79 monthly payments, 5 day risk-free preview and 100% money back commitment.

USCI On-Demand Learning On-demand Learning

100% online and self-paced. No set class schedules so you set the pace and study when you can 24/7.

Mobile Friendly Learning Materials Mobile-Friendly

Custom-designed, mobile-friendly student portal.

USCI has custom learning materials Real-world Skills

Focus on real-world skills that will help you gain the knowledge and skills you need for employment and to prepare for industry certifications.

USCI all-inclusive program All-inclusive Program

Your tuition includes access to instructors, learning materials and career support.

USCI Proven Reputation Proven Reputation

A+ BBB Rating, 40 Years in Business, 4.8 out of 5 TrustScore, DEAC Accredited, 97% of students would recommend us to a friend.

Dental Assistant Career Outlook And Certification

Online Dental Assistant school training Outcomes

Median Earnings

$46,540*

Number of Jobs

376,500*

Job Growth by 2033

8%*

Dental Assistant Certification

Upon graduating from our Dental Assistant Certification Online Program, you will receive your U.S. Career Institute Certificate of Completion attesting to your accomplishment. U.S. Career Institute’s Dental Assistant program prepares you to take the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification exam, administered through American Medical Technologists (AMT). Included with our program, we cover the cost of your RDA exam through AMT - $150 value†. USCI encourages graduates to review the RDA test prep materials on the AMT website prior to taking the exam. The AMT site includes free study materials. If you choose to pursue certification, in addition to your online dental assistant certification training from USCI you will need to provide proof of current CPR certification prior to sitting for the exam. The cost of CPR training is not covered by USCI.

State Requirements

A career in this field may require you to meet certain regulations and requirements for certification, training, registration, and licensure and varies by vocation and state. Some states may include additional requirements beyond those offered in our course. Prospective students should contact the regulatory agency in the state(s) where they plan to work to confirm their requirements before enrolling in this course. Most states do not require licensure of Dental Assistants. As of March 8, 2024, our program can be used to fulfill the education requirements and/or gain certification or licensure (or licensure is exempt) in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Verifying licensing requirements is particularly important for residents of California, Washington DC, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Montana, New York, Ohio, and Tennessee.

IMPORTANT State Licensing Requirements: Licensure Information by State

Please visit the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB) for links to individual state information.


Dental Assistant Classes Tuition and Financing

U.S. Career Institute is committed to making your education affordable. Tuition includes electronic lesson books, supplements, instructor assistance, and career support for graduates. You can start your new career without a mountain of debt.

Pay In Full

$1,239

  • SAVE $300
  • Application charge is waived
Monthly Auto Payments

$1,539*

  • $79 Monthly Payment
  • First payment: $79**

*Plus one-time $29 application charge.
**First payment includes $50 down payment and $29 application charge. Application charge is non-refundable.


Money-Back Commitment

U.S. Career Institute offers an iron clad money-back commitment to its students. After you receive your first lesson, you have 5 full days to review and evaluate. After reviewing the lesson, if you think our program is not the best route for you; contact us, return any materials and we will refund the full amount paid. No questions asked.

Hard Copy Lesson Books

Here at U.S. Career Institute, we teach to a classroom of one and we know that no two students are alike. Therefore, hard copy lesson books are available for under $50. If you prefer hard copies of your materials, you can easily order them online or by phone after enrolling.

USCI Career Coach Program

We invest in you-up to $400 Value**

After completing your certificate course, our Career Coach Program is an included benefit that will give you one-on-one access to a Career Coach Advisor. Our course and Career Coach Program can prepare you with the skills needed to help you start your new career. Read about the program's requirements and guidelines in the Career Coach Program Outline.

Leadership Team

Leadership Team/USCI

The Leadership Team at U.S. Career Institute is a group of dedicated, qualified, and knowledgeable individuals committed to providing valuable insights for potential students.

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*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on the internet at Dental Assistants (visited September 4, 2024). Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.
†Provided in form of reimbursement when the following terms are met: Student submits receipt issued by AMT, has successfully completed the program and has paid tuition in full. Reimbursement is for up to $150 towards the cost of the RDA exam. AMT site includes free study materials.