Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Dental Assistant Programs in Carmel, Evansville, Fishers, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, and South Bend.
Wondering which Dental Assistant Programs in Indiana are worth your time and investment?
This guide highlights the top choices across the state, focusing on their unique offerings and career advantages.
Each program is designed to equip you with essential skills, hands-on experience, and licensure qualifications, setting you on the fast track to a rewarding dental career.
Ivy Tech Community College – Dental Assisting Program
Explore your opportunities at Ivy Tech Community College’s Dental Assisting Program here. This program is accessible at multiple Indiana locations, including Anderson, Columbus, Elkhart, Kokomo, Lafayette, Sellersburg, and South Bend. It offers both a Technical Certificate (TC) and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree to cater to different academic aspirations and career goals.
What sets this program apart?
- Comprehensive Education: The program emphasizes both clinical and theoretical aspects of dental assisting.
- Clinical Hours: Significant clinical hours are required, ensuring readiness for real-world scenarios.
- Service Learning: Includes oral health demonstrations and community outreach programs.
- Licensure Eligibility: Graduates are eligible for licensure in Radiology after passing three National exams.
Prerequisites and Admission:
- Prerequisite Courses: Applicants must complete English Composition, Medical Terminology, and Communication.
- Selective Admission: Points are awarded based on grades, pre-admission testing, and relevant certifications.
- Attendance Requirement: Attendance is crucial as there are no make-up sessions for missed clinical hours.
Financial aid is available to assist with costs.
Learn more about Ivy Tech Community College’s Dental Assisting Program.
Indianapolis Dental Assistant School – 12-Week Dental Assistant Course
The Indianapolis Dental Assistant School offers an intensive 12-week course designed to fit into busy schedules. The program combines in-person labs with self-paced online lectures, offering a flexible learning environment.
Program Highlights:
- Weekend Classes: Ideal for working students, with 4.5-hour weekly classes held in a real dental office.
- Hands-on Training: In-person lab sessions provide practical, hands-on experience.
- Experienced Instructors: Learn under the guidance of seasoned professionals.
- Affordability: Flexible payment plans and an affordable fee structure to avoid significant debt.
- Career Services: Dedicated team assists in job placement post-graduation.
For more information, visit the Indianapolis Dental Assistant School.
Indiana University School of Dentistry – Campus Dental Assisting Program
The Indiana University School of Dentistry offers a full-time, two-semester program totaling 30 credit hours. Situated at the IUPUI campus, the program prepares students thoroughly for dental assisting careers.
Program Components:
- Credit Hours: Spanning two semesters with comprehensive coverage of dental assisting subjects.
- Clinical Experience: Requires at least 300 clinical hours to ensure hands-on learning.
- Licensure Preparation: Graduates are prepared for the Indiana Dental Radiographer’s License and receive certificates in Coronal Polishing and Caries Prevention.
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, aligning with the requirements for the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential.
- Selective Admission: Requires current enrollment at IUPUI, a minimum GPA, and completion of prerequisite science courses.
Financial aid options are available for eligible students.
Learn more about the Indiana University School of Dentistry program here.
Dental Assisting School of Indianapolis – Dental Assisting Program
The Dental Assisting School of Indianapolis offers a 12-week program focusing on both clinical and administrative skills. Designed for those needing flexibility, the classes are held on weekends.
Key Features:
- Small Class Sizes: Individualized attention thanks to limited class sizes.
- Modern Equipment: Training using the latest dental technology and equipment.
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
- Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA): An additional program for those seeking further specialization.
- Tuition: All necessary materials and supplies are included in the fee.
For detailed information, visit the Dental Assisting School of Indianapolis.
Dental Office Training by Lynn – Dental Assistant Program
Dental Office Training by Lynn provides a 12-week program emphasizing practical training in dental software, lab work, radiology, chair-side assisting, and expanded duties.
Program Highlights:
- Flexible Schedule: Classes scheduled to avoid weekends, keeping family time free.
- Small Classes: Personalized attention with smaller class sizes.
- Certifications: Graduates earn certifications in Dental Assisting and CPR.
- Professionalism: The program is accredited by the Board of Education and has received positive feedback for its supportive environment.
- Advanced Skills: An EFDA program is available for those seeking advanced skills training.
Learn more by visiting Dental Office Training by Lynn.
University of Southern Indiana – Dental Assisting Program
The University of Southern Indiana offers a robust Dental Assisting program, notable for its small class sizes and highly experienced faculty.
Program Features:
- Individualized Instruction: Small class sizes ensure personalized guidance.
- Clinical Experience: Hands-on clinical experience is provided in local dental offices.
- Accreditation: Recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
- Success Rates: High success rates with 97% earning their associate degree and certificate, 95% becoming CDAs, and 100% securing employment.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers all necessary areas to ensure preparedness for certification exams.
For more, visit the University of Southern Indiana’s Dental Assisting Program here.
IU Northwest – Dental Assisting Program
IU Northwest features a one-year, 37 credit hour Dental Assisting certificate program designed to set students up for success in the dental field.
Program Details:
- Application Deadline: Candidates must apply by July 1 for fall semester consideration.
- Advanced Standing: Earn advanced standing for previous vocational training.
- DANB Exam Preparation: Prepares students for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam.
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
- Employment Opportunities: Graduates find opportunities in private practices, hospitals, and more.
- Degree Advancement: Program credits are applicable towards a Baccalaureate Degree in General Studies.
Learn more about the IU Northwest program here.
IU Fort Wayne – Certified Dental Assisting Program
The IU Fort Wayne Certified Dental Assisting Program is a three-semester course accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Program Specifics:
- Coursework and Clinical Experiences: Three semesters of in-depth coursework combined with extramural clinical experiences.
- Career Preparation: Prepares graduates for dental assisting roles in general and specialty practices.
- Certification Ready: Graduates become board certified and eligible for an Indiana dental radiographer license after passing the DANB exams.
For more details on the IU Fort Wayne Certified Dental Assisting Program, visit here.
Fortis College – Dental Assisting Program
The Fortis College Dental Assisting Program in Indianapolis offers comprehensive training designed to prepare students for various roles in dental health care. This community-centric program emphasizes patient care, office duties, and laboratory procedures, ensuring that graduates are well-rounded professionals.
Program Highlights:
- Patient Care Skills: Learn to prepare patients for treatments and assist during dental procedures.
- Sterilization and Safety: Gain skills in sterilizing instruments and maintaining a safe, hygienic environment.
- Administrative Duties: Develop proficiency in maintaining accurate patient records and managing office tasks.
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), and Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).
- Career Services: Offers financial aid and lifetime employment assistance to ensure that graduates find rewarding careers.
For more information, visit the Fortis College Dental Assisting Program.
Indy Dental Assisting – Dental Assistant Program
Indy Dental Assisting provides a program that is both flexible and affordable, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a career in dental assisting. Established by a local cosmetic dentist in 2011, the program focuses on practical, hands-on training.
Key Features:
- Hands-on Learning: Includes lectures, hands-on training, and externships to ensure comprehensive learning.
- Affordable Tuition: The program costs $4,227 with various payment plans available.
- Certifications: Earn certifications in CPR and radiology.
- Supportive Environment: The program boasts a supportive learning atmosphere and experienced instructors.
- Job Placement Assistance: Strong job placement support to help graduates secure employment in the dental field.
Learn more about Indy Dental Assisting’s program here.
Bloomington Dental Assistant School – Dental Assistant Program
The Bloomington Dental Assistant School offers a hands-on program aimed at providing students with practical, real-world skills without accruing significant debt.
Program Highlights:
- Flexible Schedule: Classes are held at convenient times, including weekly in-person labs alongside online lectures.
- Expert Instructors: Courses are conducted by experienced dental professionals.
- Affordable Tuition: Offers flexible payment plans to ease the financial burden of education.
- Career Services: Dedicated to assisting students with job placement and career development post-graduation.
- Practical Experience: Students engage in practical lab skills at real dental offices, ensuring thorough preparation for a career in dental assisting.
For more information, visit the Bloomington Dental Assistant School here.
HealthLinc – Dental Assistant Training Program
The HealthLinc Dental Assistant Training Program focuses on accessibility and practical experience, making it a standout option for aspiring dental assistants.
Program Highlights:
- Affordability: Tuition of $7,350 is fully covered by HealthLinc, including CPR certification, textbooks, and the DANB Radiology exam.
- Externship Hours: Includes 288 externship hours at HealthLinc clinics, with 24 hours of on-site clinical experience and 16 hours of weekly lectures.
- Career Commitment: Graduates sign a 2-year employment agreement with HealthLinc, promoting job security upon program completion.
- Community Focus: Aims to increase the number of qualified dental assistants within the community.
Discover more about the HealthLinc Dental Assistant Training Program here.
Vincennes University – Dental Assistant Training Program
Vincennes University offers a non-credit Dental Assistant Training Program on its Jasper Campus, focusing on practical and administrative dental skills.
Program Details:
- Skill Coverage: Curriculum covers clinical skills, administrative operations, legal aspects, oral anatomy, and dental procedures.
- Radiographer Certification: Includes training for limited dental radiographer certification in Indiana.
- Completion Certificate: Graduates receive a VU Certificate of Completion.
- Eligibility: Requires a high school diploma or GED, GI Bill benefits are available.
- Financial Aid: Note that this non-credit program does not qualify for traditional financial aid like Pell Grants.
For more details, visit the Vincennes University Dental Assistant Training Program.
Caris College – Comprehensive Dental Assisting Program
Caris College offers a 10-month Dental Assisting Program designed to provide students with extensive, hands-on experience in dental assisting.
Program Features:
- Compressed Curriculum: Fast-paced 10-month program taught in an on-campus clinical lab.
- Externship: Includes a 300-hour externship for real-world experience.
- Licensure Exam Prep: Prepares students for exams such as RDA, CDA, and DANB.
- Certification: Graduates earn a Comprehensive Dental Assisting Diploma and various training certificates.
- Accreditation: Accredited by ABHES and approved for VA programs.
- Financial Aid: Available to qualified students to ease the financial commitment.
Learn more about Caris College’s Dental Assisting Program here.
Key Factors When Choosing a Dental Assistant Program
When choosing between Dental Assistant Programs in Indiana, several key factors can help you make an informed decision.
1. Accreditation
- Ensure Quality: Programs accredited by recognized agencies meet industry standards.
- Certification Eligibility: Graduation from an accredited program qualifies you to take certification exams.
2. Program Costs and Financial Aid
- Consider Tuition: Evaluate the cost of the program and available financial aid.
- Payment Plans: Look for schools that offer flexible payment plans to manage expenses.
3. Program Length and Schedule
- Duration: Choose between short-term programs (e.g., 12 weeks) and longer ones (e.g., several semesters).
- Flexibility: Programs that offer weekend or evening classes can accommodate working students.
4. Hands-on Training
- Clinical Practicums: Real-world experience through clinical hours enhances employability.
- Equipment: Access to modern dental technology and equipment is vital for hands-on learning.
5. Job Placement Rates and Career Services
- Employment Assistance: High job placement rates and strong career services can ease the transition from education to employment.
- Support: Look for programs that offer job placement assistance and career counseling.
Making the Right Choice
Consider each of these factors carefully to select the Dental Assistant Program that best aligns with your career goals and personal circumstances.
Dental Assistant Programs By State
Conclusion
Choosing the right dental assistant program is a critical decision that can significantly influence your career trajectory. Indiana offers diverse options tailored to various needs and schedules. Explore these programs to find the one that best suits your aspirations and start your journey towards a rewarding career in dental health today.