Turn Your Passion for Helping People into a Dental Career

Love helping people and want a fun, fast-paced career you can be proud of? Dental assistants are in demand nationwide, offering long-term job stability and the chance to grow your skills over time. The Dental Assistant program at National Career College is designed for motivated, compassionate students ready to build something meaningful. In just 9 months, you’ll be learning hands-on in the lab, building confidence chairside, and getting real-world prep for a career that’s always in demand.

From your first day, you’ll train with experienced instructors who know the field inside and out. You’ll master everything from patient prep and X-rays to charting and scheduling. By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to walk into a dental office and shine—professional, polished, and job-ready.

Quick Dental Assistant Program Facts

Your journey to a career in Dentistry starts right here, and it’s about to get exciting!

Credential: Diploma

Program Length: 9 months, including a 160 hr Externship

Format: On-campus and Hybrid options with hands-on lab training

Total Credit Hours: 39.5 credits

Choose the schedule that fits your lifestyle

Day Classes – On Campus: Attend in person Monday through Thursday for a structured, hands-on learning experience.
Evening Classes – Hybrid: Join us on campus Monday and Tuesday evenings, then log in online Wednesday and Thursday nights, perfect if you need a more flexible schedule.

Get trained, build confidence, and start applying for dental jobs in as little as 9 months! Many of our grads find opportunities before they even finish the program. Our accelerated program gives you the tools to succeed, and our career services team is here to help you land the job with resume guidance, mock interviews, and job placement assistance.

What You’ll Learn in the Dental Assistant Program

Our Dental Assistant curriculum provides you with both clinical and administrative skills to thrive in today’s dental offices.

Dental Terminology & Anatomy: Learn oral structures, dental conditions, and common procedures
Infection Control & Sterilization: Follow OSHA and CDC safety protocols in clinical environments
Radiography: Master dental X-ray techniques, including digital imaging and radiation safety
Chairside Assisting: Assist dentists during cleanings, fillings, and exams
Dental Materials: Use cements, impression materials, and dental instruments
Front Office Procedures: Learn patient scheduling, billing, and electronic records management

Want to dive deeper into what you’ll learn? Check out our Course Catalog for a full list of Dental Assistant courses and training details.

Where Can This Program Take You?

The skills you develop as a dental assistant can lead to a variety of roles in general dentistry, pediatric offices, orthodontics, and more. NCC graduates are qualified for positions such as:

Dental Assistant
Chairside Dental Assistant
Sterilization Technician
Dental Office Assistant
Dental Receptionist

Dental assistants are in high demand—especially those trained in both clinical and administrative skills. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job growth of 6% for dental assistants through 2034, making it a smart, stable career choice. You’ll be a key member of the dental team, helping ensure safe, efficient, and comfortable patient care.

Why Choose National Career College?

Graduate in just 9 months and launch your new career fast
Learn from instructors who’ve worked in real dental offices
Train in fully equipped dental labs that mirror professional settings
Get step-by-step support—from your first class to your first job offer
Access personalized help with resumes, interviews, and job placement

Whether you’re fresh out of high school or thinking about a new path, NCC offers flexible class schedules and a supportive community to help you thrive. It’s a place where your passion for helping others turns into a career you can be proud of.

Take the First Step Toward Your Career in Dental Assisting

Don’t wait to build a better future. With NCC’s Dental Assistant program, you’ll gain the skills, confidence, and support to launch a rewarding healthcare career.

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NCC’s Dental Assistant Program FAQs

HOW MUCH DOES NCC’S DA PROGRAM COST?

Our estimated total cost for the Dental Assistant diploma program is $18,591.50. This includes:

Tuition: $16,500.00
Materials and Supplies: $1,456.50
Books and Uniforms: $560.00
Registration Fee: $75.00 (non-refundable)
STRF: $0.00 (non-refundable)

Use our Net Price Calculator to get a personalized estimate based on what students paid in 2022–23. This tool is for guidance only. Be sure to complete the FAFSA to receive your official financial aid offer. *Financial aid is available to those who qualify.

WHAT DENTAL CERTIFICATIONS WILL I EARN, AND DO I NEED THEM TO GET HIRED?

You don’t need a license to start working as a dental assistant after completing NCC's Dental Assistant program, but having certifications can give you a big edge in the job market. At NCC, you’ll graduate with Radiation Safety, Infection Control, and Coronal Polishing certifications, all approved by the Dental Board of California. These are highly valued by employers and help show you’re ready to work.

And after you gain some real-world experience, you’ll even be eligible to sit for the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) exam through the California Dental Board—opening up even more career opportunities!

WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR NCC'S DA PROGRAM?

The admissions requirements for the Dental Assistant (DA) program at National Career College are designed to be accessible while ensuring students are ready to succeed. Here's what you'll need to get started:

Request Information: Start by reviewing the NCC Course Catalog and Dental Assistant program brochure to understand the program details.
Meet with an Admissions Representative: Meet with an admissions representative for your personal interview and campus tour to get to know the NCC community. Online students may complete this step through a virtual interview and info session.
Take the Scholastic Level Exam (SLE): This 12-minute entrance exam includes 50 questions to assess your problem-solving abilities. A score of 12 or higher is required for admission to the Dental Assistant program.
Submit Your Application: Complete the application form and provide proof of high school graduation or equivalent (GED/HiSET).
Pay the Registration Fee: A one-time, non-refundable fee of $75 is due at the time of registration.

NCC is committed to transparency and support throughout the admissions process. For full details, please visit our Admissions page to learn more about requirements, steps to apply, and how we support you from application to enrollment.

What kind of support will I receive as a student at NCC?

Students have access to a wide range of support services designed to help them succeed from enrollment through job placement. Student Services offers academic advising, tutoring, tech support, and help adjusting to online learning. Career Services provides resume building, mock interviews, career planning, job search support, and connections with employers in business-related fields. Our team is committed to supporting your personal and professional growth every step of the way.