Hybrid Online Dental Assisting Program | Dental Assistant Training

Dental Assisting Program Overview

Dental Assistants play an essential role by providing critical support to dentists, dental hygienists, and patients in any dental practice. It’s an ideal career for those who enjoy working with their hands while caring for patients. We offer a hybrid-online Dental Assisting program to help you gain the necessary skills to embark on this rewarding career path. Enrolling in our Dental Assisting program can earn your diploma in as little as 10 months.

Our curriculum combines online instruction with in-person simulations and supervised externships to prepare you for your first job as a Dental Assistant. Course topics cover critical aspects of the profession, including sterilization techniques, medical emergencies, dental X-rays, impressions, and dental instruments.

If you are ready to embark on a rewarding career as a Dental Assistant, submit a request form today and speak with one of our admissions representatives.

Career Training

Dental Assisting

10 Months

Accelerated Program

Hybrid-Online

For the Busy Adult

Get Started

Our Admissions team will contact you shortly.

Fields marked with * are required

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Unitek College offer a Dental Assisting program near me?

Incoming Dental Assisting students are welcome to enroll at any one of our campus locations in California:

What is a Dental Assistant?

Dental Assistants are valuable members of the healthcare team. They increase the efficiency of the dentist in the delivery of first-rate care and perform a variety of tasks. These can range from assisting patients to taking X-rays, record keeping, and scheduling appointments.

Are Dental Assistants in high demand?

Employment of Dental Assistants is expected to steadily increase. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of Dental Assistants will likely grow 8% by 2031. This progression is largely attributed to the increasing demand for preventive dental services, which the large baby-boomer population will need as they continue to age.

How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant?

The time it takes to become a Dental Assistant depends on the type of training you’d like to pursue. Generally speaking, the length of a Dental Assisting program can range from nine months to a year. Some aspiring Dental Assistants will also be required to pass an exam before they can be considered for employment.

At Unitek College, we currently offer online classes to protect our students and staff during the pandemic.

Click here to read our DA registration disclosure.

How much do Dental Assistants make?

Dental Assistant salaries depend on several factors. These might include location, experience, and education. As of May 2022, the average salary for Dental Assistants was about $45,000.

Please note that wage data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or other third-party sources may not be an accurate reflection of all areas of the country, may not account for the employees’ years of experience, and may not reflect the wages or outlook of entry-level employees, such as graduates of our program. (accessed on 1/5/2023)

What education is needed to become a Dental Assistant?

There are quite a few education paths aspiring Dental Assistants can take. Some states require DAs to graduate from an accredited program and pass an exam. There are also states that do not require Dental Assistants to receive formal training; instead, they acquire the skills they need through on-the-job training. However, many employers will not take the risk of hiring untrained applicants.

How long is the Dental Assisting program?

The Dental Assistant program at Unitek College can be completed in as little as 10 months. Students will build a strong foundation for their desired career, gaining the skills and experience needed to succeed as a Dental Assistant. The curriculum also includes a supervised externship.

How much is the Dental Assisting program?

Like most healthcare programs, the fees paid by each student can vary depending on their individual situation. A variety of financial aid options are available to students at Unitek. For more information, please reach out to a friendly admissions representative.

What certifications are related to the Dental Assisting program?

Students who graduate from the program will receive from Unitek College certificates in Infection Control, Dental Practice Act, HIPAA, Radiology, Coronal Polishing, and Pit & Fissure Sealants. These certificates are not required for initial employment, but may be of value depending on a student’s particular career goals. Students who do not graduate from the program are ineligible to receive any of these certificates.

Graduates of the program may also be qualified to take various professional certification exams, including the California Registered Dental Assisting (RDA) exam and the Dental Assisting national Board (DANB) exam. Such credentials are not required to graduate or to gain initial employment, but may be of value depending on a student’s particular career goals. Faculty are available to advise students seeking to take such professional certification exams.

Unitek has some really genuine people. Intelligent and positive, they always tried their best to help me with ANYTHING I needed to help me succeed.

– Elizabeth L.

Dental Assisting Curriculum (27.5 Credits)

In as little as 10 months, our hybrid program will prepare you for an entry-level position as a Dental Assistant. You will learn how to perform clinical tasks in a dental office, physician’s practice, or other healthcare settings.

Our curriculum will provide you with the knowledge, technical skills, and work habits of a Dental Assistant. It focuses on the treatment-room care of dental patients through in-class instruction, hands-on labs, and externship experiences.

By the end of our program, you will complete 27.5-semester credits and a 200-hour externship at a nearby healthcare facility. Class topics include dental terminology, chairside assisting for general and specialty dentistry, dental materials and prevention, dental radiology, and more.

Course Totals	Credit Hours
Course Totals	27.5

Course	Credit Hours
DA101-T - Dental Terminology and Proper Asepsis Techniques - Theory	1.5
DA101-L - Dental Terminology and Proper Asepsis Techniques - Lab	1
DA102-T - Chairside Assisting for General and Specialty Dentistry - Theory	2
DA102-L - Chairside Assisting for General and Specialty Dentistry - Lab	1
DA103-T - Dental Materials and Prevention - Theory	2
DA103-L - Dental Materials and Prevention - Lab	1
DA104A-T - CA Dental Assisting & RDA w/ ED - Theory	2
DA104A-L - CA Dental Assisting & RDA w/ ED - Lab	1
DA104B-T - CA Dental Assisting & RDA w/ ED - Theory	2
DA104B-L - CA Dental Assisting & RDA w/ ED - Lab	1
DA105-T - Dental Radiology - Theory	2
DA105-L - Dental Radiology - Lab	1
DA106-T - Dental Practice Management - Theory	2
DA106-L - Dental Practice Management - Lab	1
DA107-T - Clinical and Lab Duties - Theory	2
DA107-L - Clinical and Lab Duties - Lab	1
DAC108 - Clinical Externship	4

Get in Touch with Unitek College

OUR TEAM IS HERE TO HELP

It can be overwhelming to apply for college. There are questions that range from course schedules to financial aid, career services, employment, and more. Aspiring students have a lot to consider before choosing a school. At Unitek College, our staff and faculty are committed to helping answer all your questions.

Dental Assisting Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition costs for the Dental Assisting program can vary depending on your situation. However, we offer several financial aid options to qualifying students. In fact, many Unitek students use some form of financial aid to help cover the cost of their education.
This is why we offer personalized counseling from a student finance advisor to help make your college experience more affordable. Please reach out to a financial aid representative for more information.

Get Started

Financial Aid is always on point, and they are very precise. They were really good at reminding me to pay my student loans on time - with a smile, of course! They all do a great job.

– Neil A.

A Career in Dental Assisting

Dental Assistants (DAs) play a significant role in dental health. From disinfecting instruments to taking dental X-rays and assisting the dentist during exams, Dental Assistants must juggle multiple responsibilities on any given day. It’s their job to help dental offices run smoothly. Dental Assistants are often the first and last face a patient will see during their visit. They work in various healthcare settings, including dentistry facilities, hospitals, and clinics.

Dental Assistants have excellent interpersonal skills and prefer to work with their hands rather than in front of a computer all day. They are responsible for putting their patients at ease while encouraging them. Furthermore, Dental Assistants must also have an eye for detail while maintaining impressive dexterity in supporting their dentists or treating their patients.

Dental Assisting can offer a steady source of income. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the average salary of Dental Assistants is about $45,000. According to the BLS, demand for Dental Assistants is expected to grow by 8% by 2031.

Dental Assisting Admissions Requirements

Our admissions team is eager to help you understand all the options surrounding your education. During your enrollment period, an admissions representative will guide you through every step of the admissions process. Our goal is to help you feel confident and ready to succeed before your first semester.

1 Schedule a career-planning session and admissions interview

2 Submit proof of high school education or equivalent

3 Complete the entrance assessment test

4 Submit an admissions application and enrollment agreement

5 Complete FAFSA & financial aid interview

6 Submit proof of vaccinations

Enroll Before Our Next Start Date

Sacramento

1111 Howe Avenue
Suite 300
Sacramento, CA 95825

Start Date

Jun20

Learn More Get Started

San Jose

6800 Santa Teresa Blvd
Suite 200
San Jose, CA 95119

Start Date

Jun20

Learn More Get Started

Concord

1401 Willow Pass Rd
Concord, CA 94520

Start Date

Jun20

Learn More Get Started

Get Started

Complete this form and our Admissions department will contact you shortly with more information

Fields marked with * are required

I have read and agree to Unitek's privacy policy and understand how my personal information may be collected and used. By submitting this form, I agree that Unitek College may call and/or text me about educational services at the phone number provided, including a wireless number, using automated technology. Please note, this consent is not required to attend our institutions.*

Accreditation

Unitek College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). The Dental Assisting program is programmatically approved by the Dental Board of California.

The Unitek Advantage

uni_icons_2021_export_template_briefcase-1

Employment Assistance

uni_icons_2021_export_template_graded_paper-1

Experienced Instructors

uni_icons_2021_export_template_education_costs-1

Financial Guidance

uni_icons_2021_export_template_care-30-1

Hands-On Learning

uni_icons_2021_export_template_checklist-1

10 Month Program

uni_icons_2021_export_template_examine_document-1

Supervised Externship

Latest News

Dental Assisting
Program

Graduate in as little as 10 months.

Dental Assisting Program Overview

Get Started

What You’ll Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Dental Assisting Curriculum (27.5 Credits)

Get in Touch with Unitek College

OUR TEAM IS HERE TO HELP

Dental Assisting Tuition & Financial Aid

A Career in Dental Assisting

Dental Assisting Admissions Requirements

Enroll Before Our Next Start Date

Sacramento

San Jose

Concord

Get Started

Accreditation

The Unitek Advantage

Latest News

The 12 Best Entry-Level Medical Jobs in 2023

The 20 Highest Paying Cities for Dental Assistants in 2023

Step-by-Step Guide to Dental Appointment Scheduling

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Tray Set-ups

Unitek College

Resources

Disclosures

Tools