An associate in dental assisting is a relatively quick pathway to start working in the healthcare field right away—all while earning a great starting salary.
If you are precise, detail-oriented, enjoy people, and are interested in teeth and oral health, have you thought about the field of dental assisting? Rated as a “Best Job” on U.S. News & World Report, dental assisting is a field of flexibility and fulfillment.
What are you waiting for? Check out our 5 Best Associates in Dental Assisting to decide if this is the career for you.
Last updated: February 13, 2025
What Are the Best Associates in Dental Assisting?
At CollegeRank, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. To supply you with the best of the best in Associate in Dental Assisting degree programs, we considered the following points when compiling this list, such as:
- The school’s ability to provide a quality Associate’s degree program in the field of Dental Assisting,
- Offering various learning degree formats, such as online, on-campus, or hybrid coursework,
- Taught by professionals in the field of Dental Assisting,
- Offers financial aid opportunities, such as federal loans, scholarships, and grants,
- Displays proper accreditation, pursuant to the field of Dental Assisting,
- Prepares graduates for career advancement in Dental Assisting.
Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@www.collegerank.net.
Hinds Community College
A public comprehensive community college in Raymond, Mississippi, Hinds CC is devoted to providing top-notch, diverse, and relevant academic and technical programs for students from all walks of life.
Hinds CC’s Associate of Applied Science degree in dental assisting technology prepares students to become CDAs after passing the Dental Assisting National Board Certification Exam.
As a student, you will complete four semesters, totaling 65-66 credit hours, while taking courses such as Dental Radiology, Dental Science I and II, and of course, completing clinical experiences. You must maintain a C or higher in each course and take the Dental Assisting National Board exams during your second and third semesters.
Hinds CC states that the dental assisting technology program is ideal for students who “enjoy patient contact, flexible hours, and the security of employable skills”. If you are a high school graduate, a parent looking for a career, or an adult searching for a second career, dental assisting technology may be for you. You can apply online with no application fee!
Ozarks Technical Community College
Missouri’s third-largest community college, Ozarks Technical Community College, offers 40 degree programs for students who aim to transfer to a university or complete an associate program and jump into the workforce.
OTC’s AAS in dental assisting is accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA) and leads to fulfilling careers in the dental assisting field.
The associate in dental assisting offers two tracks: traditional or hybrid. The traditional track offers all courses on campus, and while the hybrid track also includes on-campus courses, a significant portion is online to ensure extra flexibility. You will complete 24 general education credits and 38 dental assisting credits, totaling 62 credit hours. Notable courses include Chairside Assisting I and II, Operative Dentistry, and Dental Science and Health.
You will complete the program with dental practicum experiences to satisfy clinical hours. You can apply online or contact the Allied Health office for an application packet. To apply for the traditional track, submit your application by June 15, and for the hybrid track, October 31.
Herzing University
Founded in 1965 as a computer training school, Herzing University is a private academic institution that offers “career-focused programs with flexible learning options” through master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees, as well as diploma and certificate options.
Herzing is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and includes ten on-campus locations and an online campus!
Herzing University features an associate degree in dental assisting with loads of opportunities. As a graduate, you are prepared for the Minnesota Board of Dentistry Licensing exam, the Jurisprudence exam, and the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam. This program also serves as a pathway to earn a BSN in dental hygiene. This program includes 68 credit hours in courses such as Dental Communications, Advanced Expanded Functions, and Dental Management.
You will complete a seven-credit hour dental assisting internship during your last semester. While this program takes 20 months, you can transfer up to 51 credits into your program if you have previous post-secondary experience.
Carrington College
Carrington College offers associate and certificate programs in the healthcare field, and they make it super convenient to do so! Carrington College’s dental assisting program gives students a “broad base of knowledge on subjects ranging from the anatomy of the head and mouth to sterilization techniques to front-office operations”.
Along with general education courses in English, math, computers, and science, you become proficient in dental assisting skills such as fillings, crowns, extractions, administrative tasks, and more.
During your last semester, you will complete an externship (a hands-on clinical experience, similar to an internship, but shorter). Becoming a student at Carrington College comes with many perks, including tutoring and study groups, externships, career services, and a fixed tuition promise. Those in the military receive additional tuition assistance and benefits.
You can also complete this program in as few as nine months through one of Carrington College’s 15 locations around the U.S., along with online courses.
Daymar College
Since 1963, Daymar College has been providing top-notch career training through associate and certificate programs. With more than 30 career tracks and campus locations in Tennessee, Ohio, and Kentucky, as well as 100% online programs. Daymar offers day, evening, and online classes to enhance flexibility, including an associate in dental assisting.
This program requires 96 credit hours, which are broken down into general education and dental assisting courses. Notable courses include Dental Sciences, Dental Emergencies, Advanced Dental Assisting, and a professional seminar and externship. As a student, you will gain valuable hands-on experience through Daymar College’s “modern dental laboratory using equipment, materials, and other instruments comparable to those used in an actual dental facility”.
Graduates are eligible to apply for the registered dental assisting license through the state of Tennessee and qualify for entry-level positions as dental assistants.
How to Choose a Dental Assistant Associate Degree
The 5 dental assistant associate programs ranked above are all great programs and would help you launch a successful career after graduation. But how do you know which program is the best fit for you?
Below you’ll find 8 key considerations that will help you choose the dental assistant program that’s right for you.
1. Hands-On Clinical Training
Ensure the program provides extensive hands-on clinical experience in dental practices or simulated lab environments. Practical training is essential for mastering skills like chairside assisting, radiographic imaging, and sterilization protocols.
2. Certification Preparation
Look for programs that prepare you for certification exams such as the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam. Certification can enhance job prospects and increase earning potential.
3. Exposure to Specialty Areas in Dentistry
Consider programs that offer exposure to specialty areas such as orthodontics, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, and periodontics. Familiarity with these specialties can make you a more versatile and competitive candidate in the job market.
4. Focus on Dental Technology and Software
Modern dental offices rely on digital tools and software for patient records, scheduling, and imaging. Check if the program trains you in the latest dental technologies, such as digital radiography and dental practice management software.
5. Knowledge of Infection Control and OSHA Compliance
Ensure the program emphasizes infection control practices and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. These skills are critical for ensuring patient safety and adhering to legal requirements in a dental office.
6. Internship or Externship Opportunities
Programs with established partnerships with local dental practices often provide internship or externship opportunities. These experiences allow you to work alongside professional dentists and gain real-world insights into the field.
7. Communication and Patient Care Skills
Dental assistants often serve as a bridge between the dentist and patients. Look for programs that incorporate courses or training in patient communication, education, and empathy to prepare you for this vital aspect of the role.
8. Career Services and Job Placement Support
Some programs offer career services, including resume workshops, job placement assistance, or access to alumni networks. These services can help you secure a position in a dental practice upon graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental assistants make $46,540/year, on average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% make less than $35,470/year and the highest 10% make $61,060/year. Top paying industries include:
• Government
• Dental offices
• Physician offices
Most dental assistant programs last 9 to 12 months, but the duration can vary. Some programs offer shorter certificate programs, while others provide more comprehensive training through associate degree programs. Program length depends on the level of education and the specific requirements of the educational institution offering the program.
On average, tuition for dental assistant programs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Financial aid, scholarships, or payment plans may be available to help offset costs. But the average cost of a dental assistant associate’s degree is $11,600/year.
Yes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 8% growth in jobs for dental assistants through 2033. That’s about 54,900 new job openings each year, on average, for the next 10 years. Many of these openings will result from the need to replace workers who retire or transfer to different occupations.
Dental hygienists focus on preventive oral care, performing cleanings, exams, and educating patients on dental health. They hold an associate or bachelor’s degree and require licensure. Dental assistants support dentists with various tasks, including patient care and administrative duties, usually completing a shorter training program.
While dental assistant programs include some basic math, the emphasis is on clinical and administrative skills rather than extensive mathematical concepts. Dental assistants use math for tasks like measuring medication doses or understanding treatment plans, but the level of math complexity is not high.
The age of dental assistants varies. Many enter the field after completing high school or a post-secondary program, so they could be in their late teens to early twenties. However, you can pursue dental assisting as a second career at different ages, contributing to a diverse age range within the profession.
Related Resources:
- Best Associates Degrees in Medical Office Administration
- Top Online Bachelor’s in Nursing and Healthcare
- Best Associate’s Degree Programs in Medical Assisting