Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Dental Assistant Programs in Allentown, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh.
Looking to start a career in dental health but unsure where to begin?
Finding the right Dental Assistant Programs in Pennsylvania can be daunting. This guide lays out the top programs, highlighting unique features, costs, and career outcomes.
Whether you’re eyeing certifications or hands-on experience, you’ll find the perfect fit to jumpstart your career.
Pitt Dental Medicine – Dental Assistant Training Program
The Pitt Dental Medicine Dental Assistant Training Program offers a unique opportunity for individuals to start a career in dental assisting. This four-month community-based program is convenient and ensures job placement upon completion.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
- All-Inclusive Costs: The program covers all costs, including books, exams, and fees.
- Certification Sponsorship: Students are sponsored for three Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exams, qualifying them for National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification.
- Career Advancement: NELDA certification opens paths to becoming a Certified Dental Assistant or an Expanded Function Dental Assistant. It also provides opportunities in practice management, dental hygiene, and advanced dental medicine.
- Hands-On Training: The program emphasizes practical experience through partnerships with clinical sites.
Applications open in February, so be sure to mark your calendar if you’re interested in this program.
Great Lakes Institute of Technology – Dental Assistant Program
Great Lakes Institute of Technology offers a 10-month dental assistant program designed to prepare you for professional success and career growth. The curriculum spans four terms and covers essential topics:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Courses include dental terminology, anatomy, infection control, dental materials, radiology, and office management.
- Specialized Training: Instruction in dental specialties and restorative care ensures you are well-prepared for certification exams.
- Career Support: The institute provides job placement assistance and interview preparation to enhance your career prospects.
Practical training and professional development are integral parts of the program, ensuring you receive both comprehensive education and hands-on experience.
Westmoreland – Dental Assisting Program
Westmoreland’s Dental Assisting program offers both a diploma and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. This three-semester program is designed to equip you with vital skills and prepare you for certification exams.
Key components include:
- Certification Prep: Prepares graduates for the DANB exams and radiology certification in Pennsylvania.
- Practical Skills: You will gain expertise in patient care, X-ray taking, recordkeeping, and scheduling appointments.
- Clinical Rotations: Hands-on experience through rotations at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and private dental offices.
For those already with general education courses, the program is flexible, allowing for a lighter course load.
HACC – Dental Assisting Program
HACC’s one-year Dental Assisting Program prepares you to become a Certified Dental Assistant through DANB certification. This program offers a rigorous mix of classroom and hands-on training at the Harrisburg Campus.
Highlights include:
- Comprehensive Training: Covers duties such as assisting dentists, taking radiographs, infection control, and patient care.
- High Success Rate: It boasts an 86% program completion rate and a 97% passing rate in key certification areas.
- Career Advancement: Graduates can advance to become Expanded Function Dental Assistants and can earn credits towards an Associate Degree in Health Science.
Mandatory information sessions are part of the program, so be sure to contact the program director for further details.
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College – Dental Assistant Training Program
The Dental Assistant Training Program at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College provides students with essential knowledge and hands-on experience for entry-level positions in dental assisting. Here are some of the program’s strong points:
- Thorough Curriculum: The program covers dental theory, terminology, four-handed chair side procedures, X-ray taking and processing, infection control, dental materials, and effective patient communication.
- Clinical Externship: Includes an 80-hour clinical externship at a local dental clinic that offers real-world experience.
- Radiology Exam Preparation: Prepares students for the Radiology Health and Safety examination.
- Affordable Tuition: The program costs $1,199, a competitive rate for comprehensive training in this field.
The program runs from September 14th to November 23rd, making it a concise and affordable way to kickstart your career in dental assisting. For more details, contact Continuing Education at 814.262.3815 or [email protected].
IMBC – Dental Assisting Program
IMBC’s Dental Assisting Program in Pittsburgh, PA, prepares students to become dental assistants within a year. The curriculum focuses on practical skills and hands-on training.
- Hands-on Training: The program offers lab training with actual dental equipment, guided by experienced instructors.
- Curriculum Coverage: Includes patient care, dental procedures, medical record management, sterilization techniques, laboratory skills, and provisional dental work.
- Internship: Concludes with an internship designed to provide real-world experience.
- Certification Preparation: Prepares graduates for the Pennsylvania Dental Radiology Exam, as well as Nationally Registered Dental Assistant (NRDA) and Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) certifications.
Internship sites may require a background check, so ensure you’re prepared. This program is ideal for those seeking a quick transition into the dental assisting field.
Central Penn College – Dental Assistant Certificate
The Dental Assistant Certificate program at Central Penn College offers targeted, specialized training aimed at providing practical knowledge and skills for dental assisting.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers chairside assistance, dental office procedures, lab procedures, and advanced dental assisting functions.
- High Employment Rate: Boasts a 97.1% employment or continued education rate among graduates, reflecting the program’s effectiveness.
- Housing Scholarship: Offers an innovative housing scholarship, making the program more affordable.
This program ensures that students receive relevant education, which translates into successful career opportunities post-graduation.
Choosing the Right Dental Assistant Program in Pennsylvania
Selecting the right dental assistant program can significantly impact your career trajectory. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by recognized bodies, which certifies that it meets high educational standards. Accreditation can also affect your ability to gain licensure or certifications.
- Program Length: Programs vary in duration, ranging from a few months to over a year. Choose a program that fits your timeline and career goals.
- Hands-On Training: Practical experience is crucial. Look for programs that offer substantial clinical experience or externships.
- Cost: Consider tuition and additional costs such as books, exams, and materials. Some programs offer financial aid or scholarships.
- Certification Preparation: Programs that prepare you for certification exams can enhance your employment prospects. Ensure the curriculum aligns with the requirements for exams like DANB, NELDA, or RHS.
- Career Services: Supportive career services, such as job placement assistance and interview preparation, can help you transition from education to employment smoothly.
By weighing these factors, you can find a program that sets you up for success in the dental assisting field.
Dental Assistant Programs By State
Conclusion: Start Your Dental Assistant Career in Pennsylvania
Embarking on a career as a dental assistant in Pennsylvania starts with choosing a program that meets your educational and professional needs. The programs outlined in this guide are among the best in the state, offering robust curricula, hands-on training, certification preparation, and strong career support. Explore these options to find the one that aligns best with your goals and take the first step toward a fulfilling career in dental health.