Dental Assistant Certificate Program

Launch your career as a dental assistant.
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Program Type

Certificate

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Delivery Method

On Campus | Hybrid*

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Course Length

Approximately
9 Months

*Hybrid education options not available at all campuses

Program Objective

In this certificate program, you will learn how to work as an effective entry-level dental assistant. At Pima Medical Institute, we provide hands-on, real-world training plus the communication, administrative and assisting skills necessary to work in this position. From assisting during a variety of treatment procedures to helping patients feel comfortable and performing office management responsibilities, dental assistants are valuable members of any dental care team.

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.

Careers in Dental Assisting

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

CSK 100
Study Skills
CAT 150
Anatomy, Physiology and Terminology
CCB 100
Computer Basics
CMF 95
Math Fundamentals
CHS 100
CPR & First Aid

Professional Sequence I

DEN 101
Anatomy/Pathology of the Head, Neck, and Oral Cavity
DEN 114
Fundamentals of Dentistry
DEN 124
Principles of Dental Office Administration
DEN 134
Dental Therapeutics and Emergency Procedures
DEN 140
Sequence I Administrative and Clinical Applications

Professional Sequence II

DEN 180
Dental Equipment and Materials
DEN 185
Chairside Assisting and Clinical Procedures
DEN 190
Sequence II Clinical Applications

Professional Sequence III

DEN 200
Charting Essentials
DEN 205
Dental Radiography
DEN 210
Sequence III Clinical Applications

Externship

DEN 250
Externship

Program Outline for Chula Vista and San Marcos

Professional Sequence I

DEN 103
Dental Radiography I
DEN 104
Fundamentals of Dentistry I
DEN 109
Clinical Dental Procedures I

Professional Sequence II

DEN 113
Dental Office Administration
DEN 125
Fundamentals of Dentistry II
DEN 129
Clinical Dental Procedures II

Professional Sequence III

DEN 123
Dental Radiography II
DEN 136
Microbiology and Dental Pharmacology
DEN 144
Fundamentals of Dentistry III

Professional Sequence IV

DEN 143
Dental Radiography III
DEN 154
Fundamentals of Dentistry IV
DEN 149
Chairside Assisting

Professional Sequence V

DEN 128
Clinical Dental Procedures III
DEN 164
Fundamentals of Dentistry V
DEN 152
Dental Materials

Externship

DEN 200
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.

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“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.

Disclosures and Accreditations

Start Your Future as a Dental Assistant