Not in Denver? Check out our lists of Dental Assistant Programs in Greeley, Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, Longmont, Pueblo, Thornton, Westminster, Arvada, and across Colorado.
Looking to kickstart a career in dental assisting?
Finding the right program can be challenging. This guide to the top Dental Assistant Programs in Denver CO will help you navigate the options, providing essential details on the best schools, course structures, and career prospects.
Make an informed choice and set yourself up for a successful dental career in Denver.
Denver Dental Assistant School – Dental Assistant Course
For those seeking an affordable and reputable option, Denver Dental Assistant School offers a 12-week course. This program combines in-person labs with online lectures, catering to different learning preferences.
- Course Duration: 12 weeks
- Learning Format: Hybrid (in-person labs and online lectures)
- Payment Plans: Flexible options to graduate debt-free
- Instructors: Experienced dental professionals
The school’s career services provide job readiness labs and job assistance specialists to support your transition into the dental field in Denver. This program balances hands-on experience with theoretical knowledge, making it a solid choice for aspiring dental assistants.
Denver Health – Dental Assistant Program
Denver Health’s Dental Assistant Program spans six months and integrates online learning, simulation labs, and clinical rotations. This program provides specialty training in various dental fields, such as pediatrics and oral surgery.
- Program Duration: 6 months
- Hours of Education: Minimum of 960 hours
- Specialty Training: Pediatrics, oral surgery, periodontics, and orthodontics
- Experiential Rotations: Hands-on experience in diverse dental clinics
Students are required to complete a minimum of 280 hours each of didactic learning, simulation labs, and experiential rotations. Passing the Denver Health Dental Assistant Final Exam is necessary to complete the program. This program’s competency-based curriculum and diverse patient interactions greatly prepare you for the dental assisting career.
Emily Griffith Technical College – Dental Assisting Program
The Emily Griffith Technical College Dental Assisting program offers an 18-month curriculum that prepares you for various dental assisting roles.
- Course Duration: 18 months
- Clinical Internship: 300 hours
- Subjects Covered: Dental Terminology, Infection Control, Dental Radiography, Dental Office Management
- Cost: Approximately $8,699 (financial aid options available)
- Eligibility: Must be 18 years or older with a clear criminal background check
Combining classroom instruction with a hands-on internship, this program offers a well-rounded education. Graduates can work as Chairside Dental Assistants, Dental Lab Tech Assistants, and more.
Front Range Community College – Dental Assisting Program
Front Range Community College provides a one-year Dental Assisting Program that includes comprehensive clinical rotations and CODA accreditation.
- Program Duration: 1 year (with part-time options)
- Clinical Rotations: On-campus dental clinic and other sites
- Preparedness: Readies students for Dental Assisting National Board Exam
- Course Topics: Office management, lab procedures, infection control
Classes are held at the state-of-the-art Health Care Careers Center, emphasizing practical application through internships. This program is designed to enhance your employability with its thorough curriculum and accredited status.
Pickens Technical College – Dental Assisting Program
The Pickens Technical College Dental Assisting Program delivers core competencies such as dental anatomy, radiography, and office management.
- Hands-on Training: Simulated dental environment and clinical rotations
- Certifications Available: Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA)
- Accreditation: Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
- Credit Transfer: Within the Colorado Community College System
Instructors with decades of industry experience ensure high-quality education. This program suits both high school and post-secondary students, facilitating further education and career advancement.
Red Rocks Community College – Warren Tech Dental Assisting Program
The Warren Tech Dental Assisting Program at Red Rocks Community College is a one-year program focusing on practical experience through off-site internships.
- Program Duration: 1 year (two semesters)
- Certificate: Warren Tech certificate
- Cooperative Agreement: Enroll under RRCC, attend Warren Tech
- Class Schedule: Follows the Jeffco Public Schools calendar
This tailored program blends hands-on experience with theoretical knowledge and includes both morning and afternoon sessions. Its unique cooperative structure provides the dual benefit of practical skills and academic credit.
Pima Medical Institute – Dental Assistant Program
Pima Medical Institute offers a certificate program in dental assisting, focusing on hands-on, real-world training. Here are the key aspects of their program:
- Learning Focus: Assist during dental procedures, manage office tasks, maintain patient comfort.
- Core Areas: Anatomy, pathology, dental therapeutics, office administration.
- Certification Preparation: Ready students for the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Exam.
- Practical Training: Includes externships, providing practical experience and professional mentorship.
- Learning Format: Blended learning for flexible study schedules.
- Job Placement: Strong rates due to increasing demand for dental assistants.
This program combines practical skills with academic knowledge, ensuring you’re prepared for a successful dental assisting career.
University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine – Dental Assistant Programs
The University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine provides specialized training and education with its extensive dental programs.
- Educational Scope: Offers multiple programs including DDS, International Student Program, and residency programs in orthodontics, periodontics, pediatric dentistry, and oral surgery.
- Hands-On Training: Emphasizes patient care and community outreach.
- Research Initiatives: Led by experienced faculty, ensuring thorough training.
- Focus Areas: Fostering innovation and excellence in dental medicine.
It’s the only dental school in the Rocky Mountain region, committed to diversity, clinical excellence, and comprehensive dental education.
MSU Denver – Online Clinical Dental Assistant Training
MSU Denver offers an entirely online Clinical Dental Assistant Training program. This program provides the necessary skills for dental assisting careers using a flexible, digital platform.
- Learning Mode: Fully online curriculum.
- Course Topics: Dental anatomy, oral pathology, infection control.
- Technology Integration: Learning of dental practice management software.
- Certification Preparation: Prepares you for national certification exams upon completion.
- Career Outlook: Open opportunities grow alongside the increasing awareness of oral health’s impact on overall wellness.
Perfect for those needing flexible study schedules, MSU Denver’s program prepares you for a thriving career in dental assisting.
Pikes Peak State College – Dental Assisting Program
Pikes Peak State College has an accredited Dental Assisting Program designed for comprehensive chair-side training.
- Program Duration: Prepares you for a dental assisting career within a structured timeframe.
- Hands-On Experience: Emphasizes practical training in dental materials, radiography, and expanded functions.
- Clinical Internship: Includes Clinical Internship courses for real-world practice.
- Core Courses: Dental Science, Infection Control, Expanded Functions.
- Certification Exam: Prepares graduates for the Dental Assisting National Board Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) Exam.
- Degree Offered: Associate of Applied Science Degree.
This program is structured to provide practical experience and prepare you for national certification, ensuring you’re ready for the dental assisting field.
Choosing the Best Dental Assistant Program in Denver
When selecting a dental assistant program in Denver, you must consider several key factors to find the program that best fits your needs and aspirations.
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by recognized bodies like the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). This guarantees quality education and training standards.
- Program Length: Assess the duration of the program. Some are short and intensive, while others are longer and offer more in-depth learning experiences.
- Cost: Compare tuition fees across programs. Explore financial aid options to alleviate financial burdens.
- Hands-On Training: Look for programs offering practical training opportunities like internships or clinical rotations, as these enhance learning and skill application in real-world settings.
- Job Placement Support: Research the career services offered by the program. Schools with robust job placement support typically have higher employment rates among graduates.
- Program Flexibility: Consider how the program’s schedule fits with your personal and professional commitments. Flexible options can be particularly beneficial if you’re balancing work or family.
By examining these aspects carefully, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your career objectives, learning style, and financial situation.
Summarize Your Dental Assisting Journey
Embarking on a dental assisting career in Denver CO offers numerous opportunities for growth and fulfillment. Whether you choose a short-term intensive course or a more extended, in-depth program, each of the options detailed here equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel. Evaluate your options, consider your personal needs, and take the first step towards a rewarding career as a dental assistant today.