Text us!Chat with us!
1-888-408-4211

Request Information!

Learn more about NWC and our programs.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Consent*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Dental Assistant Classes & Training Programs

Keeping America Smiling

Request Information!

Learn more about NWC and our programs.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Consent*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  1. Programs
  3. Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant

As the Baby Boomer population ages, and as people keep more of their original teeth than did previous generations, the need to maintain and treat teeth will continue to increase the demand for dental care.

Dental Assistants work with dentists and other oral health professionals to complete routine tasks in the dental office, allowing dentists to see more patients and spend their time working on more complex procedures. The need for well-trained Dental Assistants is greater than ever before as the number of dental offices continues to grow to meet increasing demands for preventive dental services.

Learn how North-West College can help you become a Dental Assistant and begin working alongside dentists, dental hygienists and other oral health care professionals in a dental office, clinic or other dental health facility. Our school and extensive training programs can help you gain the skills you need to succeed as a Dental Assistant.

Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant Overview

Dental Assistants perform many tasks, ranging from patient care and taking x-rays to record keeping and scheduling appointments. Specific duties vary by state and by the dentists’ offices where they work.

Dental Assistants routinely perform a variety of important tasks, including:

Scheduling patient appointments.
Preparing patients and the work area for treatments and procedures.
Sterilizing and preparing dental instruments.
Assisting dentists during dental procedures.
Instructing patients in proper oral hygiene.
Processing x-rays and completing lab tasks under the direction of a dentist.
Recording and updating patient dental treatment records.
Working with patients on billing and payment.
Performing other chairside procedures.

The Dental Assistant program at North-West College is a career-focused technical course designed to provide you with the training programs you need to start working in a dental office. This is a hands-on program that focuses on equipping you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a Dental Assistant. This program is offered at our California (CA) campuses – Bakersfield, Anaheim, West Covina, Pomona, Van Nuys, Glendale and Riverside – or you can enroll in our online classes and training programs.

* North-West College cannot guarantee employment.

Proudly accredited, licensed to operate and/or recognized by the following institutions:

  1. Programs
  3. Dental Assistant

Start Training at a Campus Near You!

The Dental Assistant program is available at the following campuses:

Bakersfield Campus
West Covina Campus
Pomona Campus
Van Nuys Campus
Glendale Campus
Riverside Campus
Anaheim Campus

Meet a Graduate

Questions?

Let us help you launch your career by contacting us today. Simply fill out the form below or call us at 1-888-408-4211.  Classes are starting soon!

Dental Assistant Careers & Work Environment

The Dental Assistant program at North-West College provides the education and training needed to begin a career working in a variety of different dental and oral health care facilities.

Graduates of the program routinely find jobs working in:

Dentists’ offices
Dental clinics
Dental laboratories
And other health care related facilities

Quick Facts about Dental Assistants*

Ongoing research linking oral health and general health will likely continue to increase the demand for preventive dental services.
Dentists are expected to continue to hire more Dental Assistants to complete routine tasks, allowing the dentist to see more patients in their practice and to spend their time on more complex procedures.
Most Dental Assistants work in dentists’ offices; however, opportunities may exist in other locations, such as public health organizations, dental clinics, with the government, in prisons, and in branches of military.
Most Dental Assistants work full time, but many employers offer part-time positions as well. Some specialty dental offices have night hours as well.

*Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm More information, including median wages and the job outlook for Dental Assistants in California can be found in the California Occupational Guide published by the State of California Employment Development Department. For the latest national information, please visit U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Dental Assistant Course Material

The Dental Assistant program will teach you to perform the skills required to work in most dental offices, including patient scheduling, record processing, insurance billing, chairside assisting, x-ray and dental imaging, coronal polishing and more. The program is divided into eight class course modules plus a 180-hour clinical externship where students will apply the skills they learn in the classroom in an actual health care practice setting.

Seminar for Success

The Dental Assistant program will teach you to perform the skills required to work in most dental offices, including patient scheduling, record processing, insurance billing, chairside assisting, x-ray and dental imaging, coronal polishing and more. The program is divided into eight class course modules plus a 180-hour clinical externship where students will apply the skills they learn in the classroom in an actual health care practice setting.

Secretarial/Computers

Professional Ethics Relating to the Dental Assistant, Patient Psychology, Dental Terminology, Oral Anatomy & Physiology, Oral Histology, Office Environment, Secretarial Skills, Telephone Techniques, Scheduling Appointments, Communication Skills, Payroll Information, Budgeting, Banking, Office Management, Rapport with Patients and Fellow Employees, Courtesy and Respect, Introduction to Computers, Word, Excel, Dental Office Management Program, Processing Insurance Claim Forms, Creating Professional Quality Résumés

Chairside

Chairside Assisting for Four-Handed Dentistry, Use & Care of the Dental Unit, Use & Care of Operatory Equipment, Use & Care of Dental Instruments, Instrument Tray Set-Ups, Oral Pathology, Training in Basic OSHA Rules & Regulations, Various Methods & Techniques of Sterilization & Disinfection, Placement & Removal of Rubber Dams, Placing, Wedging & Removal of Matrices, Placing of Bases & Liners on Sound Dentin, Removal of Excess Cement Supragingivally, Preparing Materials for Restorative Dentistry, Amalgam, Acrylic, Resin, & Various Cements, Medical Office Emergencies

Oral Hygiene

Coronal Polishing, Application of Topical Fluoride, Patient Education in Nutrition, Plaque Control, and Oral Hygiene, Application of Non-Aerosol & Non-Caustic Topical Agents, Placement and Removal of Periodontal Dressings

Specialties

Techniques Used in Dental Specialties, Placement of Orthodontic Separators, Placement and Removal of Ligatures & Arch Wires, Sizing Orthodontic Bands, Checking for Loose Bands, Taking of Intra-Oral Measurements for Orthodontic Procedures, Seating Adjusted Retainers & Headgear Including Appropriate Instructions, Placement & Removal of Post-Extraction Dressings, Suture Removal, Test Pulp Vitality, Obtain Endodontic Cultures, Dry Canals Previously Opened by the Supervising Dentist, Assisting in the Administration of Nitrous Oxide

X-Ray

X-Ray Safety Techniques, Components of the X-Ray Machine, X-Ray Exposure Techniques, X-Ray Processing Techniques, Use of BAI And XCP Instruments, Instruction in Techniques for Evaluation of Diagnostic Quality X-Rays, Mounting Full Mouth & Bitewing X-Rays, Types of Dental X-Ray Films, Proper Storage & Care of Exposed X-Ray Film

Dental Materials

Preparing Impression Materials, Filling Impression Trays & Syringes, Taking Impressions For Diagnostic & Opposing Models, Operation of Hydrocolloid Conditioner, Pouring Models of Tooth & Mouth Structures With The Use of Vibrating Machines, Trimming & Polishing Models, Sizing Stainless Steel Crowns, Fabrication of an Acrylic Temporary Crown

Career Seminar

Internship Workshop, Career Readiness Workshops, New Student Orientation, and CPR Certification.

Clinical Internship

Internship to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in an actual practice setting.

Dental Assistant graduates from the West Covina, Pomona and Glendale campuses receive a certificate of completion for x-rays and a certificate of completion for coronal polishing.

Dental Assistant Course Activities

Dental assistants perform many tasks, ranging from patient care and taking x-rays to record keeping and scheduling appointments. Their duties vary by state and by the dentists’ offices where they work. Graduates of the Dental Assistant program routinely find entry-level positions working in dental offices, clinics and other oral health care facilities.

Dental Assistants typically perform the following tasks:

Scheduling patient appointments
Preparing patients for exams
Recording patient history and personal information
Measuring vital signs, such as blood pressure
Assisting physicians with patient examinations
Prepping instruments for doctors
Giving patients injections or medications as directed by the physician and as permitted by state law
Preparing patient samples for laboratory tests
Request Information

Fill out a short online form and one of our Admissions Representatives will reach out and answer all of your questions.

Apply Online Now!

Ready to make your decision? You can apply online now in less than a few minutes.

Apply Now!
Schedule a Tour

Come and see us in person! Talk to your future instructors, meet your future classmates and get familiar with your new home.

Schedule a Tour

Dental Assistant Overview

Dental Assistants perform many tasks, ranging from patient care and taking x-rays to record keeping and scheduling appointments. Specific duties vary by state and by the dentists’ offices where they work.

Dental Assistants routinely perform a variety of important tasks, including:

Scheduling patient appointments.
Preparing patients and the work area for treatments and procedures.
Sterilizing and preparing dental instruments.
Assisting dentists during dental procedures.
Instructing patients in proper oral hygiene.
Processing x-rays and completing lab tasks under the direction of a dentist.
Recording and updating patient dental treatment records.
Working with patients on billing and payment.
Performing other chairside procedures.

The Dental Assistant program at North-West College is a career-focused technical course designed to provide you with the training programs you need to start working in a dental office. This is a hands-on program that focuses on equipping you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a Dental Assistant. This program is offered at our California (CA) campuses – Bakersfield, Anaheim, West Covina, Pomona, Van Nuys, Glendale and Riverside – or you can enroll in our online classes and training programs.

* North-West College cannot guarantee employment.

Proudly accredited, licensed to operate and/or recognized by the following institutions:

  1. Programs
  3. Dental Assistant

Start Training at a Campus Near You!

The Dental Assistant program is available at the following campuses:

Bakersfield Campus
West Covina Campus
Pomona Campus
Van Nuys Campus
Glendale Campus
Riverside Campus
Anaheim Campus

Meet a Graduate

Questions?

Let us help you launch your career by contacting us today. Simply fill out the form below or call us at 1-888-408-4211. Classes are starting soon!

Dental Assistant Careers & Work Environment

The Dental Assistant program at North-West College provides the education and training needed to begin a career working in a variety of different dental and oral health care facilities.

Graduates of the program routinely find jobs working in:

Dentists’ offices
Dental clinics
Dental laboratories
And other health care related facilities

Quick Facts about Dental Assistants*

Ongoing research linking oral health and general health will likely continue to increase the demand for preventive dental services.
Dentists are expected to continue to hire more Dental Assistants to complete routine tasks, allowing the dentist to see more patients in their practice and to spend their time on more complex procedures.
Most Dental Assistants work in dentists’ offices; however, opportunities may exist in other locations, such as public health organizations, dental clinics, with the government, in prisons, and in branches of military.
Most Dental Assistants work full time, but many employers offer part-time positions as well. Some specialty dental offices have night hours as well.

*Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm More information, including median wages and the job outlook for Dental Assistants in California can be found in the California Occupational Guide published by the State of California Employment Development Department. For the latest national information, please visit U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Dental Assistant Course Material

The Dental Assistant program will teach you to perform the skills required to work in most dental offices, including patient scheduling, record processing, insurance billing, chairside assisting, x-ray and dental imaging, coronal polishing and more. The program is divided into eight class course modules plus a 180-hour clinical externship where students will apply the skills they learn in the classroom in an actual health care practice setting.

Seminar for Success

The Dental Assistant program will teach you to perform the skills required to work in most dental offices, including patient scheduling, record processing, insurance billing, chairside assisting, x-ray and dental imaging, coronal polishing and more. The program is divided into eight class course modules plus a 180-hour clinical externship where students will apply the skills they learn in the classroom in an actual health care practice setting.

Secretarial/Computers

Professional Ethics Relating to the Dental Assistant, Patient Psychology, Dental Terminology, Oral Anatomy & Physiology, Oral Histology, Office Environment, Secretarial Skills, Telephone Techniques, Scheduling Appointments, Communication Skills, Payroll Information, Budgeting, Banking, Office Management, Rapport with Patients and Fellow Employees, Courtesy and Respect, Introduction to Computers, Word, Excel, Dental Office Management Program, Processing Insurance Claim Forms, Creating Professional Quality Résumés

Chairside

Chairside Assisting for Four-Handed Dentistry, Use & Care of the Dental Unit, Use & Care of Operatory Equipment, Use & Care of Dental Instruments, Instrument Tray Set-Ups, Oral Pathology, Training in Basic OSHA Rules & Regulations, Various Methods & Techniques of Sterilization & Disinfection, Placement & Removal of Rubber Dams, Placing, Wedging & Removal of Matrices, Placing of Bases & Liners on Sound Dentin, Removal of Excess Cement Supragingivally, Preparing Materials for Restorative Dentistry, Amalgam, Acrylic, Resin, & Various Cements, Medical Office Emergencies

Oral Hygiene

Coronal Polishing, Application of Topical Fluoride, Patient Education in Nutrition, Plaque Control, and Oral Hygiene, Application of Non-Aerosol & Non-Caustic Topical Agents, Placement and Removal of Periodontal Dressings

Specialties

Techniques Used in Dental Specialties, Placement of Orthodontic Separators, Placement and Removal of Ligatures & Arch Wires, Sizing Orthodontic Bands, Checking for Loose Bands, Taking of Intra-Oral Measurements for Orthodontic Procedures, Seating Adjusted Retainers & Headgear Including Appropriate Instructions, Placement & Removal of Post-Extraction Dressings, Suture Removal, Test Pulp Vitality, Obtain Endodontic Cultures, Dry Canals Previously Opened by the Supervising Dentist, Assisting in the Administration of Nitrous Oxide

X-Ray

X-Ray Safety Techniques, Components of the X-Ray Machine, X-Ray Exposure Techniques, X-Ray Processing Techniques, Use of BAI And XCP Instruments, Instruction in Techniques for Evaluation of Diagnostic Quality X-Rays, Mounting Full Mouth & Bitewing X-Rays, Types of Dental X-Ray Films, Proper Storage & Care of Exposed X-Ray Film

Dental Materials

Preparing Impression Materials, Filling Impression Trays & Syringes, Taking Impressions For Diagnostic & Opposing Models, Operation of Hydrocolloid Conditioner, Pouring Models of Tooth & Mouth Structures With The Use of Vibrating Machines, Trimming & Polishing Models, Sizing Stainless Steel Crowns, Fabrication of an Acrylic Temporary Crown

Career Seminar

Internship Workshop, Career Readiness Workshops, New Student Orientation, and CPR Certification.

Clinical Internship

Internship to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in an actual practice setting.

Dental Assistant graduates from the West Covina, Pomona and Glendale campuses receive a certificate of completion for x-rays and a certificate of completion for coronal polishing.

Dental Assistant Course Activities

Dental assistants perform many tasks, ranging from patient care and taking x-rays to record keeping and scheduling appointments. Their duties vary by state and by the dentists’ offices where they work. Graduates of the Dental Assistant program routinely find entry-level positions working in dental offices, clinics and other oral health care facilities.

Dental Assistants typically perform the following tasks:

Scheduling patient appointments
Preparing patients for exams
Recording patient history and personal information
Measuring vital signs, such as blood pressure
Assisting physicians with patient examinations
Prepping instruments for doctors
Giving patients injections or medications as directed by the physician and as permitted by state law
Preparing patient samples for laboratory tests

Dental Assistant Frequently Asked Questions

Below, you’ll find a list of commonly asked questions about the Dental Assistant Program at North-West College:

Dental Assistants are a valuable part of the dental team and greatly increase the efficiency of Dentists in providing quality patient care. They have a broad range of responsibilities, including taking and processing dental x-rays, taking impressions of patients’ teeth, preparing patients for procedures, and sterilizing dental equipment. In addition, Dental Assistants schedule appointments, instruct patients on proper dental hygiene, assist Dentists during procedures, and perform a number of other tasks.

Dental Assistants work under Dentists in a number of settings. From solo and group dental practices to specialty practices such as orthodontics and pediatric dentistry, Dental Assistants have a variety of employment opportunities.

Not all states require formal training of Dental Assistants, but many do. Completing a Dental Assistant Program from an accredited institution like North-West College can provide you with the knowledge you need to succeed in the field. Our programs bring together instruction in the classroom with hands-on time in our labs—culminating with a clinical externship to allow you to put your newfound knowledge to work in a real-world setting.

Again, while not required by every employer, certification is a great way to stand apart from the competition. It emphasizes that you have clearly mastered the skills you need to thrive as a Dental Assistant and shows employers you are serious about performing the job well. Certified Dental Assistants may also enjoy higher compensation than their non-certified counterparts.

After finishing North-West College’s accredited Dental Assistant Program, you can take the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination. Upon passing the exam, you will be considered a Certified Dental Assistant.

Dental Assisting is a challenging and rewarding career. It’s also one of the fastest growing jobs in the health care field, with demand projected to increase significantly over the coming years. With so many employment opportunities, Dental Assistants also have the flexibility to choose between part- and full-time positions. In addition, the role of a Dental Assistant can be a great fit for those who enjoy working directly with patients. Choosing to become a Dental Assistant can also offer a quick path toward a fulfilling career in the health care field.

While these roles may seem similar, there are key differences between Dental Assistants and Dental Hygienists. First, Dental Assistants usually complete short-term training and have the option to become certified by passing the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam. Dental Hygienists, however, must complete either a two- or four-year program as part of their training. Dental Assistants and Dental Hygienists also perform different tasks. Dental Assistants are largely responsible for preparatory tasks—taking x-rays, prepaying the patient for procedures, sterilizing equipment, etc. Dental Hygienists are tasked with responsibilities once solely reserved for Dentists, including performing dental exams and polishing and cleaning patients’ teeth.

With locations throughout Southern California, it’s simple to choose the North-West College nearest you! The Dental Assistant Program is available at the following NWC campuses: West Covina, Pomona, Glendale, Riverside, and Van Nuys.

Classes begin throughout the year. Please contact your local North-West College campus to learn when the next program is scheduled to start!

The Dental Assistant Program is 40 weeks long, or approximately 9 months.

Questions?

Let us help you launch your career by contacting us today. Simply fill out the form below or call us at

1-888-408-4211

Classes are starting soon!

Schedule a Tour
apply now!
Click to Text