Dental Assistant Certificate Program
Classes Start July 16
Program Type
Certificate
Delivery Method
On Campus | Hybrid*
Course Length
Approximately
9 Months
*Hybrid education options not available at all campuses
Program Objective
Dental assistants help the dentist with all phases of treatment and ensure the appointment runs smoothly, creating an optimal patient experience and maximum efficiency.
The day-to-day duties of a dental assistant include assisting the dentist with oral care, easing patients’ anxieties and teaching patients the skills needed to maintain and improve oral health.
In addition, dental assistants take on administrative responsibilities such as scheduling, billing, answering phones and communicating with vendors and suppliers.
Students in the Dental Assistant certificate program will gain the knowledge and training to prepare patients for examination/treatment, take x-rays, sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, provide post-operative instruction, educate patients in proper oral healthcare and prepare materials for making impressions and restorations. Classes cover how to perform both clerical and laboratory duties vital to an efficient dentist office environment.
Through labs that mirror real-world settings and hands-on training taught by experienced instructors, students will gain the experience and confidence to enter the workforce right after graduation.
While regulations and requirements vary by state, graduates of this program in California will also be prepared to take the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) License Exam.
This Program Now Offers a Hybrid Learning Option
Students interested in this program who are looking for additional flexibility for their schedules might find blended learning is the best fit.
As a Hybrid student, you will still benefit from the same support students enrolled in our on campus programs receive, including mental health resources, student services, career services, resume writing and more.
Interested in learning more about Pima Medical’s hybrid education and schedule? Our admissions teams are ready to discuss the schedule, expectations and interactive instruction provided during the program.
All Locations
Careers in Dental Assisting
What Are My Career Opportunities as a Dental Assistant?
What Are My Career Opportunities as a Dental Assistant?
This certificate program will prepare graduates to apply their skills in a number of different roles, such as:
- Dental assistant
- Orthodontic assistant
- Oral surgery assistant
- Surgical dental assistant
They can work in a variety of environments:
- Solo dental practices
- Group practices
- Hospital dental clinics
- Dental school clinics
- Specialty practices
Related career opportunities include:
- Working as a dental product sales representative
- Processing dental claims for insurance companies
- Educating future dental assistants
Job Outlook
Job Outlook
The job outlook for dental assistants is bright. Ongoing research linking oral health and overall health will continue to increase the demand for preventive dental services.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of dental assistants is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.
Continued Education
Continued Education
Interested in continuing your education? At Pima Medical Institute, we offer an associate degree in Dental Hygiene, so you can advance your career in dentistry.
Dental Hygiene Program
We also offer an online associate degree in Health Care Administration that will give you the skills needed to enter the leadership or management tracks in healthcare, all with the flexibility of virtual instruction. Work on your degree anywhere, anytime.
Online Health Care Administration Associate Degree
When you’re a Pima Medical Institute student, you get access to our Career Services team—here for you when you need extra help with finding the right job opportunities, building a resume, strengthening your interview skills or just looking for general guidance.
Program Outline
Learn more about the courses in this program.
Program Outline for Albuquerque, Aurora, Colorado Springs, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Mesa, Phoenix, Renton, San Antonio, Seattle and Tucson
Career Prep Sequence
Professional Sequence I
Professional Sequence II
Professional Sequence III
Externship
Program Outline for Chula Vista and San Marcos
Professional Sequence I
Professional Sequence II
Professional Sequence III
Professional Sequence IV
Professional Sequence V
Externship
Clinical Externships
At Pima Medical Institute, most programs allow students to work in their field through clinical externships—a chance to be mentored by full-time professionals and interface with real patients.
In addition to real-world experience, clinical externships offer students resume-worthy opportunities, letters of recommendation from supervisors, and sometimes job placement directly after graduation.
Interested In Starting This Program?
Find out more about our Admissions Requirements or view our How to Apply page.
Success Is Within Reach
We are truly invested in making sure our students succeed.
“I attended Pima Medical Institute’s Dental Assistant Program in order to obtain a second career after my children were both in school. I chose their program because it was accommodating for a mom of two kids with a busy schedule. The program was exactly what I wanted and Pima Medical made me career ready.”
Katie Zeanchock, Dental Assistant Graduate
Pima Medical Blog
Check out our blog posts on the Dental Assistant program. We provide insights, information, alumni spotlights, news and other valuable articles to keep you updated.
Considering a Dental Career? Here’s a look at what Dental Assistants and Dental Hygienists do, to help you decide
Have you been thinking about a career in the dental field but aren’t sure what you want to do? Do you know the difference between…
His Goal Was to Work In A Field Where He Could Make a Difference
Gregory Hvizdak and his brother were in search of rewarding careers, not just jobs. They moved to Seattle, and after Hvizdak’s brother completed a program…
All Signs Point to Long-Term Growth in Healthcare Sector Jobs
All signs are pointing to a promising outlook for jobs in the healthcare sector. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article titled “Hot Healthcare…
Disclosures and Accreditations
State Licensure Determination Disclosure
The Dental Assistant program is offered via on-ground and hybrid delivery methods. The program is available to residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington, and meets applicable licensure requirements in those states. While there may be online components, completion of this program requires on-ground attendance at the campus at which the student is enrolled and cannot be completed solely via distance education. Prospective students and enrolled students should understand that moving out of the state in which they enrolled may adversely impact a student’s ability to complete the program. If a student is planning to relocate outside of their state of enrollment he or she is required to discuss this with the Student Services Coordinator and/or Program Director.
In compliance with 34 CFR 668.43 Pima Medical Institute has made a reasonable effort to determine graduate eligibility for licensure in all states for programs designed and advertised as leading to licensure. The document below lists Pima Medical Institute programs and states where the curriculum meets licensure requirements, states where the curriculum does not meet licensure requirements, and states in which Pima Medical Institute has been unable to determine if the curriculum meets state licensure requirements. All consumers should be advised that due to the frequent changes to state statutes, rules, and regulations Pima Medical Institute cannot guarantee licensure based on the lists below.
State Licensure Determination Disclosure – Certificate Programs
Contact information for state licensing boards in which Pima Medical Institute has determined the program does not meet state licensure requirements or where Pima Medical Institute has been unable to determine if the program meets state licensure requirements can be found below.
State Licensing Board Contact Information – Dental Assistant