Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Dental Assistant Programs in Baltimore, Columbia, and Germantown.
Are you considering a career in dental assisting and looking for the best educational path?
Discover the top Dental Assistant Programs in Maryland that will set you on the fast track to a rewarding job.
This article provides a concise overview of the leading programs available, including their key benefits and unique features.
Dental Assistant School of Maryland – Dental Assisting Course
The Dental Assistant School of Maryland provides robust training aimed at equipping you with the essential skills required for entry-level, X-ray certified positions as chair-side assistants. Here, you can gain valuable experience working in a real dental office environment, which will better prepare you for a fulfilling career in dental assisting.
- Expert Instructors: Their courses are taught by an experienced team of assistants, dentists, and hygienists.
- Hands-On Experience: The program offers extensive practical training, which enhances your learning experience.
- Exam Preparation: Specifically geared towards the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Exam, critical for earning your Radiology License in Maryland.
- Financial Benefits: Dental assisting can offer recession-proof career opportunities with potential benefits such as paid vacation, medical insurance, and pension plans.
- Affordability: The school prioritizes making education accessible and affordable.
This program’s depth and practical approach make it attractive for those wanting to quickly transition into a rewarding dental career without incurring high debt.
Prince George’s Community College – Dental Assisting Program
Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) offers a comprehensive pathway to a career in dental assisting with their well-rounded program. Here, you’ll receive a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical skills to ensure you’re prepared for the workplace.
- Course Structure: The program is divided into three parts: Dental Assisting Part One, Part Two, and Dental Office Administration.
- Board Approval: Part Two of the program meets standards set by the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners.
- Skill Development: Emphasis on patient care, radiography, and administrative duties, critical for a well-rounded dental assistant.
- Prerequisites: Requires acceptable GPA, college credits, or standardized test scores for enrollment.
- Modern Materials: Updates and provides students with the latest textbook bundles.
Participating in this program will arm you with marketable skills, helping to secure a stable and growing career, with the field expected to expand by 7% from 2022 to 2032.
FORTIS Institute – Dental Assisting Program
At FORTIS Institute in Towson, Maryland, you will find a dynamic Dental Assisting program designed to deliver practical training. This program emphasizes hands-on learning to prepare you for diverse dental environments.
- Broad Career Options: Graduates can work in various settings, including private practices, insurance companies, and hospitals.
- Hands-On Training: Focuses on real-world skills needed in the dental profession.
- Financial Aid: Multiple financial aid options are available to qualifying students.
- Career Support: The Career Services Center offers continued support with resume building, interview preparation, and job search assistance.
With its focus on practical skills and comprehensive career support, FORTIS Institute ensures that you are well-prepared to enter the workforce immediately after graduation.
Maryland Dental Assistant School – Basic Chair-Side Dental Assistant Course
The Maryland Dental Assistant School offers specialized training that focuses on minimizing student stress while maximizing learning in a real-life closed dental office setting. The Basic Chair-Side Dental Assistant Course is just one of several offered to fully prepare students.
- Real-World Training: Programs are conducted in actual dental office environments.
- Variety of Courses: Options include Dental Radiology, Expanded Function Dental Assistant, and Dental Administrative Assistant.
- Quality Instruction: Committed staff ensures a high-standard education with emphasis on practical experience.
- Convenient Financial Options: Online bill pay and direct contact for tuition details.
This institution focuses on providing you with hands-on, practical experiences. The diverse courses offer well-rounded training tailored to current industry needs.
Howard Community College – Dental Assisting and Radiology Program
Offering a mix of practical training and online education, Howard Community College provides a state-board-approved Dental Assisting and Radiology program. In just two months, you can gain the skills needed to thrive in a dental office.
- Comprehensive Instruction: Covers dental terminology, four-handed dentistry, and radiology.
- Lab & Shadowing: Includes face-to-face lab sessions and an 8-hour dental office shadowing experience.
- Certification Prep: Prepares you for the DANB Radiology Health and Safety certification exam.
- Flexibility: Combines face-to-face and online learning for a well-rounded experience.
By offering hands-on learning and online flexibility, this program ensures you can start your dental assisting career quickly and efficiently.
Frederick Community College – Dental Assisting and Dental Radiography
The Frederick Community College program stands out for its flexibility and accessibility, making it easier to jumpstart your dental assisting career.
- In-Depth Training: Covers topics like dental anatomy, infection control, and radiography.
- High School Access: Available to high school students through Dual Enrollment.
- Scholarships: Financial assistance is available, helping ease the burden of education costs.
Whether you’re in high school or seeking a career shift, this program’s affordable, flexible, and thorough training can help you get started in dental assisting quickly.
Anne Arundel Community College – Dental Assisting Program
Anne Arundel Community College offers a well-structured Dental Assisting Program that combines theory with hands-on experience.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The program includes 118 instructional hours covering various aspects of dental assisting and radiology.
- Certification-Ready: Prepares you for the DANB Radiology and Health and Safety exam.
- Support Services: Offering success coaches and job placement assistance.
- Affordable: Costs $1,663 for residents, covering tuition, fees, and lab supplies.
This affordable, in-depth program provides you with the necessary skills and certifications to start a successful career in dental assisting soon after completion.
Exploring any of these programs can set you on the path to a fulfilling career as a dental assistant. By considering factors like location, duration, and program features, you will be well-equipped to make an informed decision and take your first steps into this rewarding field.
DATS – Dental Assistant Certificate Program
The DATS (Dental Assistant Training Schools) of Maryland and Virginia offers a flexible and efficient education pathway with their 11-week Dental Assistant Certificate program. Established in 2002, DATS addresses the growing need for trained dental assistants, providing students with both clinical skills and practical experience.
Key features of the program include:
- Intensive Training: Delivers hands-on experience and clinical skills in a short duration.
- Flexible Scheduling: Offers classes on nights and weekends, catering to working professionals or those with busy schedules.
- Real-World Practice: Training is conducted in actual dental offices, providing a realistic work environment.
- Affordability: Designed to be cost-effective, making it accessible for a wide range of students.
- Career Focused: Emphasizes practical skills that are directly applicable to the job market.
This program stands out for its quick turnaround time and practical approach, enabling you to start your dental assisting career swiftly and confidently.
Carroll Community College – Dental Assistant Certificate Program
Carroll Community College offers a fast-track Dental Assistant Certificate program aimed at delivering essential skills within a short span of three months.
Distinctive aspects of the program include:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Includes essential topics such as “Introduction to Dental Assisting” and “Oral Radiography.”
- State Approval: Approved by the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners.
- Hands-On Training: Incorporates practical experience with the latest dental equipment.
- Certification Prep: Prepares students for the DANB Radiation Health and Safety exam.
- Affordable: Program cost is $1,870, with financial assistance options available.
By aligning academic instruction with practical skills, this program ensures that you are job-ready upon completion, providing a solid foundation for a successful dental assisting career.
Community College of Baltimore County – Dental Assistant Program
The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) Dental Assistant Program is designed to prepare students for various roles within dental practices, focusing both on clinical and administrative skills.
Program highlights include:
- Comprehensive Training: Covers crucial areas like X-rays, dental impressions, and assisting with procedures.
- Additional Skills: Provides training in Anatomy, CPR, and specific dental assistant duties.
- Projected Growth: With an 8% job growth projection, the skills learned here are in high demand.
- Cost-Effective: Offered at $2,706 including textbooks.
The program’s all-encompassing approach equips you with diverse skills necessary for success in the dental field, making it an excellent choice for aspiring dental assistants.
The College of Southern Maryland – Dental Assistant Program
The College of Southern Maryland offers a Health Pathway program, including a Dental Assistant Certificate Program that provides both theoretical and practical instruction.
Program specifics include:
- Curricular Excellence: Comprehensive focus on dental anatomy, radiography, materials, and infection control.
- Clinical Exposure: Offers hands-on lab work and clinical rotations to give you real-world experience.
- Faculty Expertise: Taught by experienced professionals in the field.
- Pathway Options: Provides both credit degree programs and continuing education certificates.
This program is designed to cater to both career and educational advancement, ensuring you are well-prepared for either immediate employment or further studies in dental health.
Harford Community College – Dental Assistant Program
Harford Community College’s Dental Assistant Program meets the criteria of delivering an inclusive education that prepares students extensively for entry-level positions.
Key program components are:
- Wide Coverage: Covers dental terminology, radiology, and much more within 88 instructional hours.
- Certification Opportunity: Prepares you for the DANB Radiation Health and Safety exam.
- Externship: Offers an externship to provide practical on-the-job experience.
- Costs and Requirements: The program costs $3,200, excluding textbooks, and requires candidates to be 18 years old and have a high school diploma/GED.
This balanced approach ensures you gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, thus positioning you effectively for a career in dental assisting.
Hagerstown Community College – Dental Assisting Program
Hagerstown Community College’s Dental Assisting Program offers hands-on training through its well-equipped dental lab and Dental Education Clinic.
Program strengths include:
- State Board Approval: Approved by the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners and CODA.
- Certificate Achievement: Offers a certificate upon completion.
- Lab and Clinical Training: Includes extensive training in both laboratory and clinical settings.
- Coordinator Support: Contact the program coordinator for specific details and requirements.
This program stands out for its blend of academic learning and practical lab experience, ensuring you are ready to meet the demands of the dental field.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Dental Assistant Program in Maryland
Choosing the right dental assistant program is crucial for your success in the field. Here are key factors to consider:
- Accreditation
- Curriculum
- Hands-On Training
- Duration and Cost
- Certification Preparation
- Job Placement Assistance
- Location and Schedule
- Reviews and Testimonials
Having this buyer’s guide on hand will help you make an informed decision, ensuring you choose a program that aligns with your career aspirations and personal circumstances.
Dental Assistant Programs By State
Conclusion
Starting a career in dental assisting can be both rewarding and lucrative. The wide array of Dental Assistant Programs in Maryland provides you with many great options. By considering factors such as accreditation, curriculum, hands-on training, and cost, you can choose the right program that fits your goals. Take the first step towards a successful dental career by exploring these reputable programs, meeting your needs for both academic and practical training.