Online Dental Assistant Schools: How to Choose

Students interested in dental assisting programs should first decide if they can meet the laboratory and clinical requirements. Other important factors to consider include licensure and certification.

How to Select an Online Dental Assistant School

Laboratory and Clinical

A program in dental assisting consists of online courses and laboratory and clinical experiences. When choosing a program, a student should examine how the clinical and laboratory courses are set-up. Does the student need to come on campus? Is this a reasonable option considering the student's circumstances? A program may require students to complete clinical and laboratory courses with an employer, meaning that students must be employed in the field to take that program.

Certification and Licensure

Over 37 states in the U.S. require that students obtain the Certified Dental Assistant credential (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Students need to take into consideration requirements to become certified. Does the program meet certification criteria?
Many states require licensure for dental assistants performing certain tasks, such as radiological procedures. Students should consider looking for programs that prepare them to take any necessary licensing exams.

List of Online Dental Assisting Program

Dental Assisting Certificate and Diploma Programs

These programs may take up to a year to complete. Some general course topics include oral radiology, dental materials, hygiene, anatomy, physiology, communication, infection control, pharmacology and office management. Depending on the program, students may also learn specialized skills in lab procedures, chair-side assistance and dental health education. Students are generally required to complete in-person clinical training as well.
Students must have installed on their computer the recommended browser(s) that will work with the institution's content delivery system, whether it is Blackboard or ANGEL. They must also have an e-mail address, printer and Internet access. Students must be familiar with how to post message in an online forum, download files and submit assignments using the school's system. Most schools have a technical help desk and FAQ to assist students.