Health Care Tag (6-9 Months)

Dental Assistant Program

Launch a Career Where Every Smile Counts

Dental Assistants are essential members of the dental care team. They provide chairside assistance to dentists, prepare patients for procedures, manage instruments, and ensure safe, efficient, and comfortable visits. This program prepares you with the skills and certification pathways needed to thrive in dental practices of all types.

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Program Highlights

Feature	Detail
Duration	~24–30 weeks (hybrid format)
Weekly Commitment	~20–25 hours
Format	Online coursework + in-person labs + externship in a dental office
Certifications Offered	Registered Dental Assistant (state-specific) and eligibility for national exams such as NELDA (National Entry Level Dental Assistant)
Externship	Placement in an approved dental practice to gain hands-on experience
Compliance	Meets Georgia and national standards; requires background check, immunizations, and drug screen for externship clearance

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What You’ll Learn

• Dental anatomy, terminology, and oral health basics
• Chairside assisting for restorative, surgical, and specialty procedures
• Instrument sterilization, infection control, and OSHA standards
• Dental radiography (X-ray safety, positioning, and processing)
• Impressions, study casts, and dental materials
• Patient communication, scheduling, and practice management systems
• Dental law, ethics, and HIPAA compliance

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Outcomes & Career Path

After successful completion, graduates are prepared to:

• Sit for recognized Dental Assistant certification exams (state Registered Dental Assistant, NELDA, or other nationally recognized bodies)
• Qualify for positions in general dentistry offices, orthodontic practices, oral surgery clinics, pediatric dentistry, and specialty practices
• Assist with both clinical and administrative responsibilities, making them versatile and employable across multiple settings
• Build a pathway to expanded-function dental assisting roles or future dental hygiene programs

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Financial Aid & Funding Options

Graduate America supports access through multiple funding pathways:

• WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) grants and workforce funding
• Federal and state financial aid, including Pell Grants (if eligible)
• MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Account) tuition assistance
• Workforce scholarships and institutional aid

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Exams & Certifications

• State Certification: Eligibility for Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) status (requirements vary by state)
• National Certification: National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) exam or equivalent national board
• Externship and clinical competencies must be completed to meet eligibility standards
• Radiology certification may also be earned if included in externship/lab training

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Admission Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Background check, drug screen, and immunizations for externship placement
• Reliable internet and computer access for hybrid coursework
• Strong manual dexterity and communication skills are recommended

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Career Outlook & Salary

• Job Growth: Dental Assistant roles are projected to grow faster than average, driven by demand for oral healthcare
• Employers: General dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, pediatric dentistry practices, community dental clinics
• Estimated Earnings: Entry-level salaries in Georgia typically range from the mid-$30,000s to mid-$40,000s, with opportunities for advancement into expanded-function or specialized roles

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Enrollment

• Multiple start dates throughout the year
• Hybrid model allows flexible scheduling for students balancing work and study
• Dedicated externship placement team to secure real-world training sites

 

Will I get to take dental X-rays in this program?

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