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Are you ready to jumpstart your career in the dental field?
Finding the best Dental Assistant Programs in Little Rock AR can be overwhelming.
This guide covers the top-rated programs, offering unique insights and practical details to help you make an informed decision.
Whether you seek hands-on training or flexible schedules, our list has you covered.
Little Rock Dental Assistant School – 12-Week Dental Assistant Course
For those looking to venture into the dental field without years of schooling or hefty student debt, Little Rock Dental Assistant School offers a structured 12-week program. This course sets a strong foundation by blending in-person labs at a local dental office with flexible, self-paced online lectures.
Highlights of the Program Include:
- Hybrid Learning: Combination of at-home online learning and weekly in-person labs.
- Hands-on Training: Practical experience in a real dental office setting once a week.
- Affordable Tuition: Flexible payment plans to graduate debt-free.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers all essential training, skills, and requirements to start work as a dental assistant.
- Career Services: Job readiness labs and job assistance specialists to help in job placement after graduation.
- Flexible Schedule: Multiple class times and locations, including Saturday options to suit varying schedules.
The program is facilitated by experienced dental professionals aiming to nurture your potential in an authentic dental environment.
Enroll now at Little Rock Dental Assistant School to begin your journey.
University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College – Dental Assisting Program
The University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College offers a well-rounded Dental Assisting program designed to prepare students to become adept dental assistants, meeting the community’s dental health needs. This 9-month program, starting each August, is accredited and accepted by the State Board of Dental Examiners.
Key Features:
- Accredited Curriculum: Validated by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
- Program Options: Offers an Associate of Applied Science in Allied Health or a Technical Certificate in Dental Assisting.
- Intense Training: Rigorous 25-hour fall and 18-hour spring enrollment schedule.
- Daytime Classes: Structured to provide quality education during convenient hours.
- Holistic Education: Extensive didactic, lab, and clinical training to prepare for various dental office roles.
With a structured and supportive environment, the University ensures students are well-prepared for entering the dental field.
Learn more and apply at the University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College.
Littlerock Dental Assistant School – Dental Assistant Program
For a more affordable and flexible dental assistant education, Little Rock Dental Assistant School offers a program that combines evening classes with concept-based online learning.
Key Benefits:
- Tuition Options: Pay-in-full for $2,950 or a deposit of $1,450 followed by 12 weekly payments of $150.
- Class Schedule: Convenient evening schedules from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm CST.
- Inclusive Learning Environment: Designed to accommodate varying commitments with flexible payment and learning options.
This balance of online and hands-on training equips students with the necessary skills to excel in the dental field without the pressures of steep tuition fees.
Start your journey by enrolling at Little Rock Dental Assistant School.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock – Clinical Dental Assistant Program
If flexibility is what you seek, University of Arkansas at Little Rock offers a fully online Clinical Dental Assistant Program. This program is tailored to equip you with the technical skills necessary to succeed in a dental office.
Program Highlights:
- 100% Online: Complete coursework at your own pace.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers dental health, infection control, dental materials, and more.
- Hands-On Experience: Includes clinical rotations or externships for practical training.
- Certification Preparation: Prepares students for Radiation Health and Safety and Infection Control components of the CDA Exam.
- Quick Entry into Workforce: Typically completed within a year or less.
One benefit of this program is its timely completion, allowing you to transition into the dental field swiftly while gaining significant hands-on experience alongside theoretical knowledge.
Explore the program at University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Central Arkansas School of Dental Assisting – 10-Week Dental Assistant Program
For those preferring an intensive, accelerated program, the Central Arkansas School of Dental Assisting offers a 10-week hands-on training course. This program furnishes you with practical skills through a balanced mix of classroom and laboratory sessions.
Perks of the Program:
- Accelerated Format: 10-week course with classes on Saturdays from 8 AM to 5 PM.
- In-Class and Lab Training: Mornings spent in the classroom and afternoons in a dental office lab environment.
- Comprehensive Certifications: Upon completion, students become Registered Dental Assistants and earn certifications in nitrous oxide administration, dental radiography, CPR, and more.
- Cost Effective: Transparent all-inclusive course fee of $3,995 with flexible payment plans.
- Supportive Learning Environment: Experienced instructor and positive student feedback.
With its swift and effective training environment, this program is one of the most preferred routes for aspiring dental assistants in Little Rock.
Get started at Central Arkansas School of Dental Assisting.
Apex Dental Education – Dental Assistant Program
Apex Dental Education in Little Rock offers a robust program that focuses on hands-on training and skill development for aspiring dental assistants. The program is designed to prepare you for state or expanded functions exams and to work effectively as a chair-side dental assistant.
Key Features:
- Practical Training: The program emphasizes hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment and modern dental office materials.
- Wide-Ranging Curriculum: Dental anatomy, infection control, clinical dentistry, preventive care, and restorative procedures are some of the subjects covered.
- Flexible Structure: Four semesters, each lasting 10 weeks, with exams at the end of each semester.
- Career Preparation: Guidance on resumes, job interviews, and job search strategies in the final week.
- Certification: Earn a completion certificate from Apex Dental Education and a Registered Dental Assistant license from the Arkansas Dental Examiners Board.
- Affordable Pricing: Early registration tuition is $3,250 and standard tuition is $3,550, which includes all course materials, scrub rental, and textbook rental.
Apex Dental Education also offers CPR certification as part of the program, enhancing your skillset and employability. The emphasis on practical skills and job readiness makes this program a solid choice for those looking to start their dental assisting career on the right foot.
Explore Apex Dental Education for more details and to enroll.
UofA – Pulaski Technical College – Dental Assisting Program
UofA – Pulaski Technical College in Little Rock provides a detailed 9-month Dental Assisting program that prepares you to become a proficient dental assistant. The program is recognized for its rigorous curriculum and is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Program Highlights:
- Accreditation: Ensures that the program meets quality educational standards.
- Competency-Based Training: Includes didactic, lab, and clinical training, providing a comprehensive learning experience.
- Financial Aid: Various options, including federal, state, and private grants and scholarships, are available.
- Cost: In-state tuition is $10,937.00 and out-of-state is $15,237.00, with additional fees for materials and certifications totaling $1,206.00.
- In-Person Attendance: Classes are conducted during the day, offering a focused educational environment.
The program places a strong emphasis on hands-on experience and real-world application, ensuring that you are well-prepared for a career in dental assisting.
Find out more about the UofA – Pulaski Technical College Dental Assisting Program and how to apply.
Zollege – Dental Assistant Program
The Zollege Dental Assistant Program in Little Rock is a 12-week program that emphasizes practical skills through a hybrid training model. This program focuses on providing real-world experience in a dental office, ensuring you are well-prepared for your career.
Notable Features:
- Hands-On Training: Real-world experience in an actual dental office setting.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers essential skills and knowledge required for dental assisting.
- Flexible Learning: Hybrid format with a combination of online and in-person training.
- Career Support: Offers assistance with externship hours and job placement.
- Flexible Payment Plans: Various options make the program accessible without financial strain.
Graduates of the Zollege program often commend the instructors for their helpfulness and patience. Many have gone on to secure multiple job interviews and offers soon after completing the course.
Discover more details about the Zollege Dental Assistant Program and how to enroll.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dental Assistant Program
Choosing the right dental assistant program is crucial for your success. Here are key factors to consider:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by a recognized body. Accreditation guarantees that the education provided meets industry standards.
- Hands-On Training: Look for programs that offer extensive hands-on training. Practical experience is vital in preparing you for the job.
- Experienced Faculty: The expertise and experience of the faculty can significantly enhance your learning. Ensure the instructors are seasoned professionals in the dental field.
- Cost and Financial Aid: Compare tuition fees, payment plans, and additional costs. Inquire about financial aid options such as grants, scholarships, and loans.
- Career Support: Effective programs offer career services, including job placement assistance, resume-building workshops, and interview preparation.
- Flexibility: Consider the program’s flexibility in terms of class schedules and online learning options to suit your current commitments.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Starting a career as a dental assistant in Little Rock, AR, can be a rewarding and fulfilling journey. Each program listed offers unique features and benefits that cater to various needs and preferences.
Take the next step towards your dental assisting career by exploring these programs further, assessing which aligns best with your goals, and enrolling in the program that best suits your needs.
Embark on your path to becoming a skilled dental assistant today!