Dental Assistant Programs in Salt Lake City UT

Feeling lost in the search for the best Dental Assistant Programs in Salt Lake City UT? We’ve done the work for you.

This article highlights top-rated programs, offering you detailed insights to help you choose the right path for your career in dental assisting.

From hands-on training to program duration, we’ve got you covered.

Salt Lake Community College – Dental Hygiene Program

The Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) Dental Hygiene program stands out for its detailed approach to dental assistant training. It prepares you for various professional roles, including clinician, educator, and public health worker.

Key Highlights:

• Small Class Sizes: This ensures personalized attention and peer collaboration.
• Hands-On Training: An on-site, modern dental hygiene clinic enables practical learning under skilled professionals.
• Licensure Preparation: The program prepares you thoroughly for the necessary licensure exams.
• Accessibility and Affordability: Designed to be financially accessible, this program aims to reduce barriers to entry.

You’ll receive instruction from experienced healthcare providers, using advanced technology that mirrors real-world settings. If you aspire to work in various healthcare environments, SLCC offers robust training and support.

Genesis Dental Assistant School – Dental Assisting Program

The Genesis Dental Assistant School offers a practical, quick-entry dental assisting program that spans just 10 weeks.

Key Advantages:

• Real-World Training: Conducted within an operational dental practice to enhance practical knowledge.
• Cost-Effective: At 70% less than comparable programs, it offers an affordable entry point into dental assisting.
• Career Opportunities: Emphasizes options for advancement, including management roles and dental hygiene.
• Accelerated Path: Shorter duration allows you to enter the workforce more quickly.

The program is particularly beneficial for recent graduates and job changers, providing skills and experience within a condensed timeframe.

Dental Fundamentals School of Dental Assisting – 10-Week Dental Assistant Program

The Dental Fundamentals School of Dental Assisting provides a focused 10-week program aimed at practical skill development.

Program Features:

• Hands-On Learning: Emphasis on chairside assisting techniques and instrument utilization.
• Real-Life Experience: Dentist-owned and operated facility ensures real-world training.
• Accessibility: Competitive tuition pricing and available financing options.

Students undergo training in sterile techniques, radiograph processing, and basic dental duties, setting a solid foundation for a career in dental assisting.

Fortis College – Dental Hygiene Program

Fortis College offers a detailed Dental Hygiene program aimed at preparing you for a career as a licensed dental hygienist.

Key Program Elements:

• Balanced Curriculum: Combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on skill development.
• Accredited Program: Meeting rigorous educational standards.
• Experienced Faculty: Instructors provide real-world expertise and mentorship.

The program prepares you for licensure exams and offers career support, ensuring you’re well-equipped for employment in the dental field.

By considering these key points, you can select a program that aligns with your career goals and needs, providing a strong start in dental assisting.

Davis Technical College – Dental Assisting Program

Davis Technical College presents a meticulously structured Dental Assisting Program that caters to both high school students and adults. This program is designed to be flexible, taking anywhere from 12 to 19 months depending on the student’s pace of learning, and includes a thorough 29 credit hour curriculum.

Key Features:

• Certification Preparation: Students are prepped for essential certifications such as CPR, Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), and Radiology Certification from the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
• Affordable Tuition: For adults, tuition is approximately $3,064, covering both tuition fees and required course materials. High school students benefit from free tuition.
• Experienced Faculty: Instructors possess advanced qualifications and significant experience, ensuring top-notch education.
• Hands-On Experience: Students gain practical experience by observing procedures, assisting dentists, and receiving mentorship at the donated dental clinic.
• Further Education Opportunities: Upon program completion, students can convert their certificate into up to 30 credit hours towards an Associate of Applied Science degree with partner institutions.
• Comprehensive Screening: The program requires background checks and drug screenings; prior convictions could impact program completion and certification eligibility.

For those eager to start a career in dental assisting, Davis Technical College offers a well-rounded education and numerous opportunities for advancement.

Summit Dental Academy – Dental Assistant Program

Summit Dental Academy provides a 14-week Dental Assistant Program that is designed with a strong emphasis on hands-on training and real-world applications.

Program Highlights:

• Comprehensive Training: The curriculum covers a variety of dental assisting tasks such as patient preparation, clinical room setup, taking radiographs, lab techniques, and patient education.
• Multiple Certifications: Graduates receive certifications in Dental Assisting, Dental Radiology, OSHA, and AED/CPR.
• Affordability: Summit Dental Academy provides all-encompassing tuition costs along with low monthly payment options and 0% interest financing.
• Modern Facility: The academy’s state-of-the-art facility combines an education center with a functioning dental office, enhancing the learning experience.
• Experienced Faculty: Instructors are industry leaders who ensure that students meet high dental industry standards.
• Bilingual Classes: Classes are available in both English and Spanish, with a small class size of up to 10-12 students.

Summit Dental Academy, accredited by the Better Business Bureau, also offers personal and professional development workshops and career placement assistance to help you succeed in your career.

Charter College – Dental Assisting Program

Charter College is known for its Dental Assisting Program, which aims to produce well-trained dental assistants ready to excel in their careers.

Key Highlights:

• Comprehensive Training: The program covers all essential aspects of dental assisting, including patient care, dental procedures, office management, and infection control.
• Externship Opportunity: Students complete an externship as a capstone experience, applying their knowledge in real-world dental settings under professional supervision.
• Experienced Faculty: With over 35 years of experience, Charter College’s faculty deliver expertise and mentorship, ensuring students are career-ready.
• Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), guaranteeing educational standards that are recognized by employers.
• Flexible Scheduling: Designed to accommodate your lifestyle, the program offers flexible scheduling options without compromising the quality of education.

Admission to Charter College requires a high school diploma or GED. Tuition and financial aid options vary, and contacting the school directly will provide up-to-date pricing information.

How to Choose the Right Dental Assistant Program in Salt Lake City

When selecting a Dental Assistant Program in Salt Lake City UT, several factors should guide your decision-making process to ensure that you receive the best education and career preparation.

1. Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by respected bodies like the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Accreditation ensures the program meets industry standards and is valued by employers.
2. Curriculum: Look for a well-rounded curriculum that covers essential skills such as dental procedures, patient care, office management, and radiology. Comprehensive training is crucial for a successful career.
3. Hands-On Training: Programs offering practical training through on-site clinics, real-world settings, or externships provide invaluable experience. This practical knowledge is crucial for building confidence and competence in dental assisting tasks.
4. Duration and Cost: Evaluate the length and cost of the program. Shorter, intense programs offer quick entry to the workforce, whereas longer programs may provide more in-depth training. Compare tuition fees, financial aid options, and any additional costs.
5. Career Support: Investigate the program’s career support services. Look for programs that offer job fairs, networking opportunities, and assistance with licensure and certifications. Strong career support can significantly enhance job prospects.
6. Class Size: Smaller class sizes often result in personalized attention and better learning outcomes. Aim for programs that maintain a low student-to-instructor ratio.
7. Location and Schedule: Consider the program’s location and whether it offers flexible scheduling options to fit your lifestyle and commitments.
8. Reputation: Research reviews, testimonials, and success stories from previous graduates. A program with a good reputation provides a sense of reliability and quality.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Dental Assistant Program in Salt Lake City UT is a pivotal step towards a rewarding career. You have multiple excellent options, each offering distinctive features and benefits. From the affordability and accessibility at Davis Technical College to Summit Dental Academy’s bilingual classes, and Charter College’s flexible scheduling, each program is designed to equip you with the skills necessary to excel in the dental assisting field.

Take your time to evaluate each option based on the factors discussed and make a well-informed decision that aligns with your career aspirations and lifestyle. With the right education and training, your journey to becoming a skilled dental assistant can begin effectively and confidently.

Begin your journey today by exploring these programs in detail and secure a promising future in dental assisting.