STUDENT EXPERIENCE

What to Expect as a Dental Assistant Student

Wondering what it's really like? Here's a look inside our 12-week program β€” from your first day to graduation.

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See for Yourself

Apply today and we'll walk you through what your schedule and experience will look like.

Weeks to Graduate
12
Total Tuition
$3,650
Next Start Date
April 25, 2026
Down Payment as Low As
$450

Your 12-Week Journey

Our program is designed to take you from beginner to job-ready in 12 weeks. Here's what your experience will look like:

1

Weeks 1-2: Building Your Foundation

You'll start by learning the fundamentals β€” dental terminology, professional conduct, and the basics of working in a dental office. You'll meet your classmates and instructors, and start getting comfortable in a clinical environment.

2

Weeks 3-8: Hands-On Clinical Training

This is where it gets real. You'll practice clinical skills in a real dental office environment, working with actual equipment and tools. You'll learn chairside assisting, infection control, dental charting, X-rays, and clinical procedures.

3

Weeks 9-10: Certification Prep

Prepare for your dental assistant certification exam with comprehensive review sessions and practice tests. You'll earn your credential as part of the program.

4

Weeks 11-12: Externship

Put everything you've learned into practice during your externship at a local dental office. You'll work alongside licensed professionals, gaining real-world experience that employers value.

A Typical Week

Classroom Learning

Each week includes structured classroom time where you'll learn the theory and knowledge behind dental assisting β€” from anatomy and terminology to patient care protocols and office procedures.

Hands-On Practice

Our classes take place in real dental offices, so you'll practice on the same equipment you'll use in your career. This isn't a simulation β€” it's the real thing.

What You'll Learn

  • Dental terminology
  • Chairside assisting
  • Infection control
  • Dental radiography (X-rays)
  • Dental charting
  • Instrument identification
  • Restorative procedures
  • Patient care & comfort
  • Office management
  • Certification exam prep

Small Classes, Big Support

Our class sizes are small by design, so you get the individual attention you need. Your instructors are experienced dental professionals who are invested in your success β€” and our student support team is here to help with everything from scheduling to career placement.

What Are Our Students Saying?
It was a pleasure to have Mandee and Gee as our instructors, they were amazing instructors and made us feel very comfortable and always inspired me to keep learning.
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Karina Juanes
Stars for review
This school program was so fast! It’s a great step into DA! Mandee and Gee are great instructors! They always provided us with so much information!
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Revlyn Denney
Stars for review
This school prepared me for a career. The instructors gave insight on tips and tricks that they have used in their own work history. I was able to work, and complete my school work successfully.
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Sarah Griego
Stars for review
I LOVED school this program was very helpful and pushed me further to do more with myself in life so thankful for all my instructors for being great teacher
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Daniya Maye
Stars for review
A great way to get your career started!
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Haylee Stephens
Stars for review
It was easy, convenient, and fun. I would recommend this to anyone who is busy with work or busy being a parent. You have a whole week to go over and finish your online modules, whatever you went over that week will be reviewed the following Saturday in class. The class takes place at an actual dental office so you'll be pretty familiar with how to set up & break down a room etc. But as for hands on training its between your classmates and Dexter for x-ray practices. Mandy was my instructor she was fun but not TOO fun because she wants you to take the class seriously. I would of loved to rate this program 5 stars but we weren't given much help for the DANB RHS exam. Once the program was over we were signed up to go take our exam (it was super hard). The x-ray final you take through Zollege is probably like 10% of the actual DANB exam. I failed my RHS exam and since the $270 fee was included in my tuition ill have to pay that fee myself again. Overall I loved PDAS but if i could recommend one thing it would be additional help on taking the RHS exam. Read less
It was easy, convenient, and fun. I would recommend this to anyone who is busy with work or busy being a parent. You have a whole week to go over and finish your online modules, whatever you went o... Read more
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Maria Sanchez
Stars for review

Ready to See What's Possible?

Your future as a dental assistant is closer than you think. Take the first step today.

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Or call us now: (602) 704-5521