Dental Assistant Online Schools and Training Programs

Dental assistants work alongside dentists, where they may handle administrative office duties, clinical assisting duties, or a combination of both.

Dental assistants are often trained in many of the same procedures and medical subjects as dentists so they can follow during procedures, and assist without needing direct instruction. They are responsible for greeting and preparing the patient, sterilizing and maintaining equipment and instruments, and may also take and process dental x-rays. They are also involved in front-office duties such as billing, appointment scheduling and handling patient records.

In smaller dental practices, one assistant may handle all of these duties, while larger practices may employ assistants who specialize in only one area.

Dental Assisting Degrees

Dental assistants can pursue diplomas, certificates (to add a dental assisting specialization to an existing degree), or associate’s degrees. Most programs last a few months to two years, and programs can generally be found at junior colleges, career colleges and health care training institutes.

Featured Schools

The following schools offer credible online or correspondence dental assisting degrees.

US Career Institute - This correspondence school works by sending your course packets through the mail, so you study during your spare time. This program style is good for people who work full-time, or don’t like to spend a lot of time online. Communication is carried out either over the phone or by email, and the program earns graduates a certificate in dental assisting.

The program covers topics such as oral anatomy, patient care, equipment use, orthodontics and pediatric dentistry.

Or click here to search for campus-based dental assisting schools.