How to Become a Dental Assistant

Dental assistant student

How to Become a Dental Assistant

Dental assistant student

OUR PROCESS

Become a Dental Assistant in 5 Steps

At Arch Dental Assistant School, we're training the next generation of high-performing dental assistants. And it's never been easier to add your name to that list.

01

Enroll

Fill out our one-minute application to get started. Call us at (512) 277-6538 with any questions.

02

Complete the Program

Learn essential topics like infection control, chairside etiquette, and clinical procedures operations like restorative dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and oral surgery. You'll also develop specialized skills in composite procedures, instrument transfer, and digital charting that prepare you for the dental assistant career you deserve.

03

Gain Real-World Experience

Work in a real dental office, under the guidance and direction of real dental professionals, through our externship program.

04

Pass the Dental Assistant Exam

Employers prefer candidates who have completed a dental assistant certification. That's why we help you prepare for, and earn, this credential before you graduate.

05

Apply for Local Dental Assistant Positions

Our dental program links students with a network of hiring partners to jump-start your career as an assistant. We offer comprehensive support throughout your career journey, helping with the application process, interview preparation, and resume optimization.

10-WEEK PROGRAM

Imagine Graduating Debt-Free.

Our Dental Assistant program has helped thousands of students launch their careers nationwide while graduating debt-free. Prepare for a career in the dental field at an affordable price through a 10-week course that teaches you everything you'll need to know.

Reserve Your Spot in the Next Arch Program Today.

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Flexible Options

Affordable tuition and flexible payment plans to help you graduate debt-free.

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Career Support

Career support and guidance to help you succeed in the dental field.

Dental assistant graduate

LEARN THE SKILLS DENTAL EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR

Hands-On Training with Online Classes

Our weekly online classes build your foundation from the comfort of your home, while monthly, in-person labs taught by experienced dental professionals get you the skills you need to successfully start your career as a dental assistant.

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Real-World Environments

Practice your skills in controlled, education environments.

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Flexible Schedule

Weekly online classes that fit your lifestyle, plus one weekend of labs per month to give you the hands-on experience you need.

Dental assistant hands-on training
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Graduate Ready to Work.
Become a Dental Assistant in 10-Weeks!

Career-ready programs designed for your success.

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Frequently Asked Questions

We don't accept financial aid, but we have some pretty great reasons why! The founder of our school, Dr. Ince, decided that he wanted to create an amazing opportunity for those who desire to enter the field. He believed that students not only deserve a great education, but also an affordable and convenient option. Rather than opting to make our school more expensive in order to allow for financial assistance, Dr. Ince chose to implement affordable tuition prices; providing our students with the opportunity to graduate with little to no student loan debt. If none of our payment plan options work for you, please give us a call. We are more than happy to customize a plan!

The time it takes to become a Dental Assistant varies between schools and certificate programs. Our curriculum is 10-weeks long and fully prepares students to start working as a Dental Assistant.

Yes, you can pay by check. Checks must be sent two weeks before your start date, and you must call our admissions team to provide a tracking number. They should be addressed to Zollege Management Inc., 715 Discovery Blvd. Suite 412, Cedar Park, TX, 78613.

This is a hands-on program, much different from traditional education. Our hybrid approach combines online learning with hands-on training that takes place in a dental office rather than a classroom. Online classes are taught by local healthcare professionals and focus on understanding theory, terminology and dental best practices. The in-person labs focus on practicing the essential, hands-on dental assisting skills. When our students graduate, they feel at home in a dental office.

Dentists expect newly hired dental assistants to know fundamental skills. Our program focuses on helping you master those skills to set you up for success in your new career.

When you graduate from any dental assisting school you receive a certificate of completion. Many students ask if they can expect to make a higher starting salary if they attend a longer program. The starting salary for a Dental Assistant does not have anything to do with how long you spent in school or how much you paid for your schooling.

Dental Assistants perform a variety of duties, including but not limited to assisting the dentist, carrying out clinical tasks, and completing administrative work.

Dental assistants may perform many different clinical duties including preparing patients and the work area for treatments and procedures, sterilizing dental instruments, assisting the dentist during procedures, administrative/front office tasks, working with patients on billing and payment, taking molds and impressions, performing x-rays, & more.

Dental Assistants are responsible for making patients feel at ease while also preparing them for treatment. During dental visits, assistants often work alongside the dentist.

Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 19 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. For more information, please visit Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

As of May 2023, the median annual wage for dental assistants is $46,540. For more information, please visit Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

Benefits vary by practice and should be discussed with the hiring practice.

Since Arch is an online-first program, you will need to have reliable internet access as well as a computer that can run video streaming platforms (like Zoom) for online classes, and an internet browser that can access our web-based LMS and other online resources.