Dental assistant programs prepare graduates to work in an in-demand field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for dental assistants to grow 7% between 2019-2029, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
Several schools offer online dental assistant programs. Typical admission requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants may also need to submit standardized test scores.
This guide ranks the best online dental assistant programs. It also covers other important information for learners, including scholarship opportunities for dental assistant students.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Assistant Programs
What does it take to become a dental assistant?
Dental assistants must complete an accredited associate or certificate program, or at least two years of on-the-job training and pass a licensure exam.
What is the difference between a dental assistant and a dental hygienist?
Dental assistants do not perform any direct work on patients, except for taking X-rays and preparing patients for a procedure. Dental hygienists render direct patient care, such as removing stains and plaque, applying decay preventives, and administering local anesthetics.
How much do dental assistants make?
The BLS reports a median annual salary of $40,080 for licensed dental assistants.
What does a dental assistant do?
Dental assistants perform many duties, including sterilizing instruments, preparing patients for treatment, and handing instruments to dentists during procedures. They also take and process X-rays.
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Dental Assisting Specialization
Dental assistants can specialize in specific practice areas, such as pediatrics or orthodontics. Even if a dental assistant program does not provide concentration tracks, students can often enroll in elective courses to specialize their studies. Many dental assistant programs offer one or more of the specializations described below.
Pediatric Dentistry
Dental assistants who specialize in pediatric dentistry work with younger patients, typically infants to adolescents. They perform certain tasks that cater to the needs of young dental clients, such as applying sealants, teaching patients the proper way to floss and brush their teeth, and providing interceptive orthodontic care.
Orthodontics
Orthodontists specialize in realigning teeth to improve function and appearance. A dental assistant who specializes in this field takes X-rays and impressions that aid orthodontists in teeth realignment. They also teach patients how to care for their dental gear, document information, and perform preliminary exams.
Oral Surgery
Dental assistants with training in oral surgery perform tasks such as administering anesthesia and monitoring a patient's vital signs throughout a surgical procedure. They also prepare the dental tray to make sure the surgical instruments are properly sterilized and ready for use.
Accreditation for Dental Assisting
Accreditation indicates that a school meets high academic standards with respect to factors like academic rigor, student learning outcomes, and faculty qualifications. Schools may receive regional or national accreditation, with regional accreditation generally considered the more prestigious of the two.
Programs within a school may also hold accreditation. The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) serves as the main accrediting agency for dental education.
Accreditation benefits students in several ways. For instance, only students at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid, and many schools only accept degrees and transfer credits from accredited institutions. Additionally, many professional licenses and certifications require an accredited degree.
Career and Salary Outlook for Dental Assistants
Accredited dental assistant programs prepare graduates for the duties and responsibilities of the profession. However, dental assistants can also use their degree to pursue additional degrees, such as a bachelor's in dental hygiene.
In addition to helping dentists during different types of oral procedures, dental assistants take patient histories, sterilize and maintain instruments, and teach patients about proper oral care and hygiene. Depending on the size of the practice, dental assistants may also schedule appointments and help patients with billing and payment.
Career and Salary Outlook
| Career |
Median Annual Salary |
Projected Growth Rate (2019-2029) |
| Dental Assistants |
$40,080 |
7% |
Source: BLS
License and Certification Requirements for Dental Assistants
To date, 38 states recognize or require dental assistants to hold the certified dental assistant (CDA) credential from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Some states require additional DANB certification for practitioners who plan to pursue a career in a specific arena, such as the certified oral and maxillofacial surgery assistant credential.
Certification requirements vary by state, but candidates typically need an associate degree or a dental assisting certificate from a CODA-accredited school to sit for the exam. Candidates without a degree or certificate who can show full-time, on-the-job training that lasted for at least two years can also sit for the exam.
Scholarships for Dental Assistants
Schools offering online dental assistant programs often maintain financial aid packages for their students. In addition, enrollees can find several scholarship and grant programs administered by private organizations, state and federal agencies, professional associations, and large corporations with an interest in the dentistry field. Below, we describe three such scholarships.
American Dental Assistants Association Scholarships
Who Can Apply: Dental assisting students enrolled in a CODA-accredited program can apply for one of the financial aid programs administered by the ADAA. Applicants must demonstrate excellent academic performance and hold ADAA membership.
Amount: Varies
Explore Here
Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Administered by the Pacific Dental Services Foundation, the scholarship welcomes applications from dental assisting students enrolled in an accredited program. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and a commitment to a career in the field. The scholarship also provides mentorship opportunities and on-the-job training.
Amount: $5,000
Explore Here
National Dental Association Foundation Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Dental assistant students who demonstrate financial need can apply for this scholarship. Applicants must show evidence of community service and submit two recommendation letters and a letter of request.
Amount: $800
Explore Here
Associate in Dental Assisting Programs 2022
#3 Online Dental Assistant Programs
Kaskaskia College
- Centralia, IL
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
As a public institution, Kaskaskia College offers affordable degree programs from its campus in Centralia, Illinois. The institution delivers affordable and accessible online programs, including an AAS in dental assisting. Flexible online learning formats often allow students to work full time while earning their associate degree. Associate-level curricula feature general education and major requirements. Students can explore the institution's website to learn about associate program requirements. The school offers advisors, IT professionals, and other support staff for distance learners. Associate degree-seekers can enhance their resume through practical training experiences.
After earning an associate degree, graduates can enroll in a four-year program. Graduates of associate programs can also start their careers immediately. Associate degree-seekers pay affordable per-credit tuition rates. After factoring in financial aid, degree-seekers pay $5,398 on average to attend the school. Learners interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree often save money by completing the affordable two-year dental assistance degree before transferring.
Kaskaskia College has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an independent accrediting body.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
39%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Online Dental Assistant Programs
Delta College
- University Center, MI
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
From its University Center, Michigan, campus, Delta College enrolls learners as a public institution. The school offers 13 online associate programs, including an associate degree in dental assisting. Applicants with a high school diploma or GED can enroll in the online program. Depending on their prior college experience, incoming students may take placement tests to determine their class selections. The school's admissions advisors help prospective students complete the enrollment process.
The dental assistance program offers a flexible, online format that helps students stay on schedule to earn their degree. The program's asynchronous classes let learners complete coursework at any time, from any place.
After earning an associate degree in dental assistance, graduates can transfer into a bachelor's program. The school maintains articulation agreements with four-year colleges, making it easier for graduates to move seamlessly into a bachelor's program.
Delta College Facts:
Online Enrollment: 2,612
Student Graduation Rate: 15%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $5,910
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $11,130
Out-of-state
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
33%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 Online Dental Assistant Programs
University of Southern Indiana
- Evansville, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its campus in Evansville, the University of Southern Indiana operates as a public institution. Applicants can enroll in the two-year dental assisting program with a high school diploma or the equivalent. Incoming students submit transcripts to determine their transfer credits and class standing. Applicants work closely with admissions advisors to complete the enrollment process.
The associate in dental assisting program offers a flexible, online format that helps learners stay on schedule. Students requiring the most flexibility can enroll in asynchronous courses with no set meeting times.
With an associate degree in dental assistance, students enter the workforce or transfer into a bachelor's program. The school maintains articulation agreements with four-year colleges, which means that graduates can transfer more credits toward a bachelor's degree.
University of Southern Indiana at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 5,785
Percent of Applicants Admitted: 93%
Percent of Students who Earn a Bachelor's Degree: 50%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $7,986
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $19,296
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
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