The Best Online Dental Assistant Programs

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the dental assisting field to grow 7% by 2032, meaning nearly 25,000 new jobs for dental assistants. Earning a dental assistant certificate or degree online will position you to compete for one of these in-demand jobs. An aging population led by baby boomers with good dental health helps explain the expansion of the dental assisting occupation. As business for dental offices grows, so too will the need for qualified support. Dental offices employ over 91% of all dental assistants.

We selected these accredited online dental assistant programs based on the quality of the program, types of courses provided, faculty strength, school awards, rankings and reputation, including the reputation for providing online degree programs.

Dental Materials

In this course, students study the various materials used in dentistry, both in the lab and as part of the teeth restoration process. Such materials include amalgam, ceramics (porcelain), and composite.

Dental Radiography

Students learn all about X-rays, including how they work and the proper procedure for taking them. Those earning their dental assistant certificate online learn how to read and assess radiographs for dental issues like cavities, tooth decay, and impacted teeth.

Dental Terminology

This dental assistant degree online course introduces students to the terms they’ll use to communicate with dentists, hygienists, and patients once they become assistants. Students enrolled in dental assistant certificate programs online will learn about dental anatomy, oral restoration, and dental charts, which document the health of a person’s teeth and gums.

Biodental Science

Students in this course learn about dental anatomy and physiology with an overview of the human skull, head, and neck. Topics include skeletal structure, teeth composition, nutrition as it relates to dentistry, and human body systems. Biodental science courses Typically, cover dental pharmacology, too.

Patient Assessment

Mandatory in any dental assistant online degree program is a patient assessment course, which instructs students on how to properly create a comprehensive dental treatment plan for patients following the oral examination. Topics include how to obtain a medical history, including risk factors, prior procedures, and any past complications.

Dental Nutrition and Prevention

Students study the impact food has on dental health. At course’s end, students should know how to classify foods according to macronutrient (carbohydrate, protein, or fat) and understand their role in oral health. Topics include nutritional deficiency, vitamins, minerals, and the causes and prevention of dental caries (tooth decay).

You can take various paths to a career in dental assisting. For states that require no formal training, those interested in dentistry can learn the duties of the occupation on the job. Most states, however, require dental assistants to obtain credentials. There are three educational paths one can pursue: diploma, certificate, or associate degree. The one you choose will determine how long before you can apply for certification and enter the field.

To earn a dental assistant certificate online, it can take fewer than 12 months. However, most programs last a year. An online dental assistant degree requires at least 60 credits and usually takes two years to complete, the same as other associate degrees. Factors that could affect program length include the number of transfer credits a student brings to the program, the number of terms per year, and whether the program is self-paced or part of a cohort where students progress through courses together.

What you learn from a dental assistant online degree program is very similar to that of an online certificate. The main difference is that associate degree students also take general education courses, such as English, writing, and math. Earning a dental assistant certificate online qualifies you for many of the same jobs as an associate degree, but the degree can make you more marketable. While it takes more time to complete and costs more overall, your job prospects and earning potential will increase with an associate degree.

In addition to being detail-oriented and organized, dental assistants are also effective communicators. With further studies, prospective dental assistant could easily pursue occupations in similar environments that seek similar qualified support, such as the medical assisting field.

Many who pursue a dental assistant certificate online choose to transfer into an associate program, earning their dental assistant degree online soon after. In associate degree programs, students take general education courses, which can prove valuable when it comes to boosting one’s skill set and resume.

All dental assistant certificate programs and associate degrees accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) involve laboratory work and prepare you for the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam. You’ll need this credential to help with more advanced dental assisting duties like taking radiographs. Those who transfer into an associate degree can take the exam upon graduation.

Those who learn on the job must accrue 3,500 hours of approved work experience before they can apply for the CDA certification. According to the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), full-time certified dental assistants made on average $2 more per hour than non-certified assistants. The organization’s survey also found that certified dental assistants received more benefits as well, such as a 401(k) plan, paid sick leave, and paid vacation.

As noted, earning your diploma, certificate, or online dental assistant degree from an accredited program is necessary to fast-track your way to CDA certification. In general, accredited schools and programs provide prospective students with valuable consumer protection. An accredited school or program must meet or exceed the established criteria of a credible, independent organization, which has itself gained approval from the U.S. Department of Education (ED).

Regional and national accreditation refers to an institution, while specialized accreditation — like that which the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) grants — refers to a specific program. While ED recognizes all six regional accreditors in the U.S., this is not the case for all national accrediting bodies or field-specific organizations.

Given this, students should check the ED database for recognized agencies, as accreditation can impact financial aid eligibility and the transferability of credit. ED recognizes both CODA and the American Dental Association (ADA). Dental assisting students should look for CODA- or ADA-accredited programs to ensure the diploma, certificate, or degree will qualify them for the CDA exam and eventual licensure.

To apply for federal funds, you must submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the deadline. Among the FAFSA eligibility requirements include the criterion that students must enroll in an accredited school or program. For prospective dental assisting students, this means a CODA-accredited dental assistant degree program. Community college students likely meet this criterion as well through the school’s regional accreditation. For scholarships, make sure to research offers at the local, state, and national levels and from professional organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA), the National Dental Association Foundation (NDAF), and the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA).