Program Overview

Program Overview

The Dental Assistant Training Program, offered in partnership with the University of Utah School of Dentistry and Professional Education, prepares qualified applicants to start a rewarding new career in just four months.

Employment Trends & Data

Employment for dental assistants is expected to grow by 8% over the next decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Demand remains strong in both private practices and public health settings, with around 54,900 job openings projected each year due to retirements and career changes.

Program Details

• The program blends trusted instruction with modern, hands-on learning.
• Students gain experience through clinical rotations and lab-based workshops, while also building skills with advanced tools like digital scanning, 3D imaging, and virtual simulations.
• The program includes access to the 36-hour online National Entry-Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) curriculum, a study resource developed by the DALE Foundation and founded by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
• The NELDA Bundle is designed to help students prepare for the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam:
  • Radiation Health and Safety (RHS)
  • Infection Control (ICE)
  • Anatomy, Morphology and Physiology (AMP)
• This unique program combines the NELDA curriculum with hands-on experience to build practical skills and boost exam readiness.
• Please note that to sit for the CDA exam, students must have a minimum of 3,500 hours of dental assisting experience.
• Completing the CDA exam is not a required component of the program, but the curriculum is designed to help students prepare for the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam once their hours are obtained.

Program Schedule

• Offered Spring, Summer, and Fall: once per semester with specific start and end dates.
• Schedule details are sent to applicants once their application is received.

Program Cost

• $2,990 (includes $2,925 tuition + $65 non-refundable special fee)
• This program is not eligible for employee tuition reduction.

Program Timeline

• Students will move through the program in approximately 14-16 weeks.
• Attend one mandatory, in-person 4-hour orientation session to meet instructors and get prepared for the program.
• Complete the 36-hour interactive NELDA online curriculum, designed for entry-level learners.
• Participate in three 8-hour, hands-on skills workshops held during daytime hours in the Simulation Lab, Technique Lab, and clinical spaces at the University of Utah School of Dentistry.
• Begin a 90-hour externship in a dental setting after completing the second skills workshop.
• Join one daytime clinic session per month to gain real-world experience in chairside dental assisting and patient care.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED
• Demonstrate professional working proficiency in English
• Pass a criminal background check and 11-panel drug screening
• Submit documentation of required immunizations: MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, and baseline TB testing
• Obtain and maintain current CPR certification prior to starting the program

Additional Information

The program is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in dental assisting, with a focus on patient-centered care and emerging technologies. Graduates are prepared to make an immediate impact, supported by the University of Utah’s strong reputation in healthcare education.