Finding the right online program can be tough, especially with a hands-on career like dental assisting. You need to figure out which schools have the proper accreditation, the right price tag, the flexibility you need, and the career services to get you into a solid position after graduation. That’s why we compiled a list of the top online and hybrid dental assistant programs for the 2023-2024 school year.
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About the ranking
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Base Methodology for EduMed’s Best Online College Rankings for the ’23-’24 school year.
One: Create list of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least 1 online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
Two: Assign Weighting
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the schools themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
Online Programs– Number of online programs in the relevant subject area.
Online Student % –Number of total students who are enrolled in at least 1 distance-learning course in the relevant subject area.
Tuition –The average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
Institutional Aid– Percent of full-time undergraduate students who are awarded institutional grant aid, as self-reported by the school.
Academic Counseling –Existence of this service on campus or online.
Career Placement Services –Existence of this service on campus or online.
Student/Faculty Ratio
About Our Data:EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available fromThe Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System(IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2023
| # | School Name | Type | Tuition | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Madison Area Technical CollegeMadison, WI | Public | $ | 1 | Madison Area Technical College offers a technical diploma that prepares graduates to work as dental assistants. In this 16-credit program, students learn classroom knowledge, such as dental anatomy or dental clinical theory, and hands-on skills that are needed to assist dentists. For added flexibility, all class lectures are offered online. However, students must still come to campus for select labs and simulations. Successful applicants should already have their high school diploma or GED before starting the program. Program Highlights: Dental Assistant Technical Certificate
| Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Student/ Faculty Ratio10/1 | Online Student %67% |
or
About the ranking
X
Base Methodology for EduMed’s Best Online College Rankings for the ’23-’24 school year.
One: Create list of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least 1 online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
Two: Assign Weighting
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the schools themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
Online Programs– Number of online programs in the relevant subject area.
Online Student % –Number of total students who are enrolled in at least 1 distance-learning course in the relevant subject area.
Tuition –The average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
Institutional Aid– Percent of full-time undergraduate students who are awarded institutional grant aid, as self-reported by the school.
Academic Counseling –Existence of this service on campus or online.
Career Placement Services –Existence of this service on campus or online.
Student/Faculty Ratio
About Our Data:EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available fromThe Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System(IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2023
| # | School Name | Type | Tuition | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eastern Iowa Community College DistrictDavenport, IA | Public | $ | 1 | Eastern Iowa Community College offers a comprehensive Dental Assisting diploma that can be completed in 3 semesters. Upon completion, students will be prepared to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam and the Iowa Board of Dental Examiners Radiography, Infection Control, and Jurisprudence State Board exams. If you're interested in becoming a dental hygienist, EICC has a partnership with Carl Sandburg College in Illinois to help further your education. Program Highlights: Dental Assistant Diploma
| Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 | Online Student %44% | |||
| 2 | Wiregrass Georgia Technical CollegeValdosta, GA | Public | $ | 1 | Wiregrass Georgia Technical College offers a Dental Assisting Diploma at their Valdosta Campus starting every fall. This program helps students meet all the requirements set by the Georgia Board of Dentistry. To be accepted into this program, students must be at least 17 years old, be CPR certified, and have their high school diploma. Students also must complete ENGL 1010, MATH 1012, ALHS 1011, and ALHS 1040 before registering for the dental assisting program. Program Highlights: Dental Assistant Diploma
| Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Student/ Faculty Ratio12/1 | Online Student %45% | |||
| 3 | Central Community CollegeGrand Island, NE | Public | $ | 2 | Central Community College offers an associate degree in dental assisting, made up of a dental assisting diploma, general education courses, and a few business courses. Students who complete this program will be eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board examination to become a Certified Dental Assistant in the state of Nebraska. To be admitted into this program, students must first complete 16 hours of observation in a dental office. Program Highlights: Associate Degree in Dental Assisting
| Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 | Online Student %72% | |||
| 4 | Cerritos CollegeNorwalk, CA | Public | $ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Student/ Faculty Ratio26/1 | Online Student %78% | ||||
| 5 | Northwood Technical CollegeShell Lake, WI | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Student/ Faculty Ratio7/1 | Online Student %73% | ||||
| 6 | Lakeshore Technical CollegeCleveland, WI | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Student/ Faculty Ratio11/1 | Online Student %66% | ||||
| 7 | Hudson Valley Community CollegeTroy, NY | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1 | Online Student %65% |
Why Study Dental Assisting Online?
Distance learninghas been a solid option for dental assisting education for years;it’s just more efficient now. All CODA-accredited programs mustmeet the same standard of education, no matter which mode of learningthey use.
Hands-on clinicalpractice is an essential part of every dental assisting program.Online and hybrid programs rely on local partners to provide thosecritical learning opportunities right where you live. Additionally,online and hybrid programs may offer lower tuition rates along withflexible, self-paced learning.
Key Benefits
Online learning allows students to get a solid foundation in the preclinical aspects of dental assisting prior to moving into a laboratory or office setting. Online learning has other benefits:
- Asynchronous learning. Students self-pace their study of topics like oral anatomy, cavity classification, infection control, and preventive dentistry. The asynchronous nature of online and hybrid programs allows students to spend more time on topics as necessary.
- Speed. When you’re a student, time is money. Online learning can lead to a quicker entry into the profession.
- Flexibility. Online learning allows students to study around work and family schedules. Students already working in dental offices will benefit from learning about topics like the role of nutrition in dental health or legal and ethical issues in dentistry.
- Cost. Tuition is often lower for online and hybrid programs.
How It Works
The hands-on nature of dental assisting means that largely all online dental assisting programs are really hybrid programs.
What is a hybrid program? It’s a blend of on-site learning and online course delivery. You can think of it this way, online coursework covers what you need to know. Examples of this kind of coursework include dental science topics like head and neck anatomy, oral pathology, dental charting, dental office management, and nutrition. In person, clinical labs and externship experiences cover what you need to be able to do. These skills-based topics include certain aspects of chairside assisting, radiology, dental materials, and infection control.
In the hybrid option, students may complete entire courses or simplypart of a course online using course management software. Laboratoryand clinical work is done either at local dental offices or oncampus. Some dental assisting programs with greater onlineflexibility will require students to complete observations at localdental offices in lieu of certain pre-clinical lab work.
Different Types of Online Dental Assistant Programs
There are threetypes of online programs for dental assisting education: certificate,diploma, and associate degree. Graduates of any of these accreditedprograms are eligible to sit for national and state-levelcertification exams.
The quickest optionis the dental assisting certificate. The dental assisting diploma isroughly equivalent, though slightly more thorough. Associate degreeprograms take generally 1½ to 2 times longer to complete. As youwould expect, associate degrees are considered to be a significantstep above certificate and diploma programs. This is due in part todegree programs including the general education requirements. Inaddition to providing a more well-rounded education, associatedegrees can also act as a springboard to future studies in alliedhealth and other science-based fields. Some schools specificallyoffer ‘bridge’ programs to associate or bachelor’s degrees indental hygiene. Associate degrees may be required for jobs inmanagement, in certain specialties, or to become a dental assistanteducator.
Your level ofeducation can be a determining factor in the direction your careertakes. Therefore, it’s important to consider your long-term goalsbefore choosing a program. Here’s a deeper dive into each option:
Certificate
Certificate programs in dental assisting are offered by community colleges as well as technical and vocational schools. These programs are specifically geared to students looking to get right out into the workforce. They can usually be completed within 9 months to one year. The certificate is a good option for students in states that require dental assistants to have completed a CODA-accredited dental assisting program. Additionally, dental assistants trained on the job can use a certificate program as a means of improving their practice or creating a pathway to career advancement.
Certificate students learn the practical skills of chairside assisting. Additionally, they get a foundational education in concepts of biomedical science including the concepts of disease and nutrition; dental science, dental materials, and dental radiology; and ethical and legal considerations of dental practice. CODA-accredited programs must include an externship. At least 50% of students’ required clinical practice must be completed in a dental office.
To be accepted into a certificate program, you will need a high school diploma or GED. You will also need to take high school science courses including biology and anatomy.
- Pros: quick route to completion; accredited programgraduates eligible for CDA exam; less expensive than an associatedegree
- Cons: additional continuing education may berequired for certain national certifications, specialization, oradvancement; course credits may not transfer to other programs orinstitutions
Diploma
A diploma program is just right for students looking for a quick entry into a career. Similar in scope to a certificate program, diploma programs will strengthen their practice and provide greater career opportunities and mobility. Diploma programs generally take a year to complete. They are considered a step up from a 9 or 10-month certificate program, though not the year-long certificate programs. While the curriculum for diploma programs is quite similar to the certificate programs, increased time allows for more depth. It is important for prospective students to compare the specific course offerings before making the decision to attend a program.
As mandated by CODA, accredited diploma programs also requiresupervised practice, at least 50% of which must be completed in adental office.
Prerequisites for diploma programs include a high school diploma orGED is required for admission, along with high school level scienceor allied health courses.
- Pros:quick route to completion; accredited program graduateseligible for CDA exam; less expensive than an associate degree
- Cons:continuing education may be required for certain nationalcertifications, specialization, or advancement; course credits maynot transfer to other programs or institutions
Associate Degree
Associate degree programs take the longest to complete — 18 months to 2 years. To apply, you will need a high school diploma and courses in biology, chemistry, and anatomy. Aside from the time it takes to complete, the biggest difference between associate degree and diploma or certificate programs is what you study. General education courses round out career training courses. General education requirements may include humanities, science, computer literacy, and communication.
Associate degree programs are most attractive for students withlonger-term goals in mind. Students often enter these degree programsas a means of advancing their careers. Courses like radiology,restorative functions, and orthodontic assisting can prepare studentsto sit for advanced certification exams. They can also allow studentsto specialize their practice. Students looking to move into dentaloffice management benefit from courses in management skills, oral andwritten communication, and insurance coding. Associate degrees are agood option if a student plans to pursue dental hygiene, especiallythrough dental hygiene bridge programs. Associate degree credits maytransfer to a four-year institution.
- Pros: more attractive to employers; moreopportunity for advancement or specialization; better background incommunications and management; solid preparation for move intodental hygiene or other allied health programs; possibility forcredits to transfer to four-year institutions
- Cons: longer course of study; more expensive
Key Learnings: Online Dental Assistant Classes
Dental assisting isa hands-on career. As such, dental assistants are required to mastercertain clinical skills. Often, these skills can be introducedthrough online coursework or observation prior to practicing them ina laboratory or dental office setting.
There are certainaspects of the curriculum that provide the scientific underpinningfor the hands-on skills. Students must master topics of dentalsciences including oral and bloodborne pathology, anatomy,microbiology, pharmacology, and nutrition. These topics are wellsuited to online study. Students advance through foundational coursesinto advanced topics like dental materials, radiology, restorativefunctions, and opportunities for specialization.
Course #1: Chairside Assisting
This is one of the foundational courses in dental assisting. In addition to becoming familiar with dental tools and tray set-ups, students learn how to sterilize equipment and adhere to infection control and hazard protocols. Students learn proper chairside assistant ergonomics, occupational safety requirements, and proper instrument transfer or four-handed techniques. Medical emergency procedures and protocols are covered. Students learn the basics of:
- taking andreviewing patient medical and dental histories
- reading andrecording vital signs
- assistinginitial dental exams
- dentalcharting
Course #2: Dental Science
This is another of the foundational courses for dental assisting. Dental Science introduces students to head and neck anatomy, oral anatomy, tooth nomenclature, embryology of teeth, and the physiology and morphology of deciduous and permanent teeth. This course also introduces concepts of pathology and pharmacology.
Course #3: Preventive Dentistry
One of a dental assistants key duties in educating patients on preventive dentistry. Students learn the basics of disease prevention and oral health care. Students also hone their communication skills, as well as key ideas in behavioral modification, so that they can better education their patients in these areas. They will learn about the role of nutrition in oral health, the use of fluoride, and how to teach patients to properly care for their teeth and gums through brushing, flossing, and fluoride rinses, gels, and foams.
Course #4: Dental Radiology
X-rays are an integral part of dental examinations. Students will learn the history of dental x-rays and proper radiographic procedures. They will also have classroom or online instruction on the basic principles of oral radiography, how radiographic images are formed, and common technique errors. Students learn about digital imaging, CT imaging, dental radiation risks, and clinical approaches to interpreting images.
Course #5: Dental Ethics and Law
In an ethics and law course, students learn about professional codes of conduct, regulatory laws, and ethical considerations. They may use case studies to confront topics within the course. Students learn about their own ethical and professional responsibilities to their patients, to their employers, and to the community at large.
Other courses mayinclude:
- DentalPharmacology
- DentalMaterials
- Bio-dentalScience
- Dental OfficeManagement
- ClinicalTraining/Practicum
- LaboratoryProcedures
- Computing andDental Software
- RestorativeFunctions
Does Accreditation Matter?
The Commission onDental Accreditation (CODA) was set up to “maintain and improve thequality of dental assisting education.” In short, it’s a qualitycontrol mechanism put in place by the U.S. Department of Education.It protects both students and dental patients.
Be sure to vet allpotential programs. Attending a non-accredited program can affectyour eligibility for financial aid and certification exams that canaffect your ability to practice in your state.
Why isaccreditation important?
To understand whyaccreditation is important, it first helps to understand exactly whataccreditation is. Accreditation is a peer review process. CODAappoints administrators and educators from other schools evaluatedental assisting programs based on a set of standards.
CODA makes nodistinction between traditional, on-campus programs apply to online,distance, or hybrid. The same standards apply to all programs.Standards are developed and revised to ensure students get theeducation they need to be professionally successful. Standards alsoensure that schools offering dental assisting programs:
- Arefinancially stable
- Follow anapproved curriculum
- Haveappropriate staffing
- Hire facultywith adequate education and experience
- Offerpreclinical and clinical instruction in approved facilities
- Supportstudents, especially those deemed “at risk”
In this way,accreditation protects the investment students are making in theireducation. In order to be eligible to sit for the CDA exam, dentalassistants must have graduated from an accredited program. Perhapsit’s even more important to note that financial aid may not beavailable for non-accredited programs.
Just as standardsare revised to keep pace with ongoing developments in dental care,schools must regularly renew their accreditation. This ensuresstudents are able provide the most up-to-date and high level of careto their patients. It is in this way that accreditation protectsdental consumers.
Source: Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
Getting Licensed & Certified as a Dental Assistant
You don’tnecessarily need to be certified to become a dental assistant.However, certification may play an important part of the hiringdecision for offices even in states without certificationrequirements.
In some states, allthat is required is on-the-job training and the direct supervision ofa dentist. Duties in states with no or low educational requirementsmay be more limited than in those with educational requirements. Evenin those states with lower entry requirements, dental assistants mayneed courses including CPR, basic life saving, and infection controlcourses for general practice. If they wish to perform advancedprocedures such as coronal polishing, restorative functions, orradiography they may need to take courses or pass an exam in thoseareas.
The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) offers certification exams for dental assistants. Dental assistants must meet eligibility requirements to sit for the certification exams. The Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam has three components:
- GeneralChairside Assisting
- RadiationHealth and Safety
- InfectionControl
In addition to theCDA exam, DANB offers four other national level certifications. Eachof these certifications is made up of component exams as well. Sevenstates have state-specific exams to become a Registered DentalAssistant or Expanded Functions Dental Assistant. Those states areArizona, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York,Oregon, and Washington.
Source: Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), Dental Assisting National Board
Are There Differences by State?
Yes. RegisteredDental Assistant (RDA) licensing requirements vary by state just thegeneral practice requirements do. Alabama, for example, has nolicensing requirements States like Nebraska have Licensed DentalAssistant (LDA) or Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA)designations instead.
Requirements forlicensing generally include some combination of the following:
- High schooldiploma
- Graduationfrom CODA-accredited dental assisting program
- DANB CDAcertification
- Minimumclinical work experience hours
- CPR and BasicLife Saving courses
States may also require specific certifications for coronal polishing, radiography, restorative functions, sealants, or dental anesthesia, Check the DANB state-by-state requirements to see what is needed in your state.
Can You Receive Specialty Certifications?
Yes, there areseveral specialties within dental assisting. Continuing education maybe required to certify in certain states or fields. Assistants mayalso choose to specialize after completing their practicum orclinical externship in a specialty office.
Below are fivecommon dental assisting specializations.
Orthodontic assisting. Orthodontists use corrective devices like palate expanders and braces to help properly align teeth. In addition to assisting during exams, orthodontic assistants may take x-rays, make impressions, adjust braces, and make retainers and mouth guards. DANB offers national certification in orthodontic assisting (COA).
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Also called dental surgical assistants, they assist dentists while performing procedures ranging from tooth extractions to corrective jaw surgery. There is no national certification for oral surgery assisting, though advanced training, certification, and continuing education may be required by employers.
Preventive Functions. Assistants specializing in preventive functions perform coronal polishing and apply sealants and fluoride. DANB offers national certification in preventive functions (CPFDA).
Pediatrics. Some dental offices specifically treat pediatric patients. Other assistants may specialize in pediatrics within a general dentistry office. There is no national certification for pediatric assisting, though advanced training, certification, and continuing education may be required by employers.
Restorative Functions. Many of us are familiar with the basic restorative dentistry–filling a cavity. Dental assistants also assist with major restorative procedures like inlays, crowns, dentures, and bridges. DANB offers national certification in restorative functions (CRFDA).
Paying for Your Dental Assistant Program
Tuition costs should not be a barrier to your education. The first steps to figuring out how to pay for college should be talking to a college counselor and doing a little research to explore your financial aid options.
Your next step issubmitting your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)forms, which you will need to be eligible for federal grants like thePell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. Beaware that state and federal grants may not be available for studentsattending non-CODA accredited programs.
Here is a sampling of scholarships and grants available to dental assisting students.
- The American Dental Association provides grants and charitable awards
- Corporations sponsor scholarships, like Tylenol’s Future Care Scholarship
- Veterans pursuing healthcare careers may find assistance through the Veterans Administration
- Students from disadvantaged backgrounds may receive financial assistance through the Health Careers Opportunity Program
Dental Assistant Career Overview
The Bureau of LaborStatistics predicts 19% job growth for dental assistants over thenext decade. This translates to roughly 46,000 average annualopenings. Overall, healthcare support careers will see this level ofgrowth. BLS predicts 22% growth for the entire field. The states thatwill see the greatest percentage of growth are Arizona, Maryland, andUtah. Each of these states will see over 29% job growth for dentalassistants. California will see the greatest number of job openingsover the next ten years, with Texas and New York coming in second andthird.
There are a lot offactors driving the need for more dental assistants. As more is knownabout the importance of oral health for overall health, more peopleare seeking out regular dentistry. In some cases, improved access tohealth insurance also allows more people to access dental care. Thesetrends, coupled with an increased reliance on assistants to performtasks in dental offices support, will continue to drive the need formore people to enter this field.
Most dental assistants work in a dental office. While many work full time, nearly ⅓ of all assistants are part time. Dental assistants often have a degree of flexibility in their schedules. Some dental offices require assistants to work evenings or weekends. If you need more details, get the inside scoop on what a dental assistant does.
Key Dental Assistant Duties &Responsibilities
Just like good smilecan help you make a good first impression, a good dental assistantcan set a patient on the road to good oral health. While specificduties vary from state to state, even office-to-office, here are afew of the key roles dental assistants can fill:
- Patientinteraction. A patient’s first interaction with a dentalassistant often comes when they setting up their appointment. Officetasks like scheduling and billing may also be handled by dentalassistants. Once at the office, the dental assistant helps to ensurea patient’s visit goes smoothly. Assistants prepare the work areaand help patients settle to the dentist’s chair.
- Assistingdental procedures. During dental procedures, assistants are onhand to assist the dentist by passing instruments or drying apatient’s mouth. They maintain careful records of procedures aswell.
- Radiology.Dental assistants may develop x-rays and make impressions ofpatient’s teeth. These include bitewing x-rays and panographs.Some states require dental assistants to be licensed in radiologichealth and safety.
- Preventativedentistry. In some states, dental assistants are allowed toperform coronal polishing, as well as apply sealants and fluoride,and topical anesthetics. They may also talk with patients aboutproper nutrition for good oral health.
- Restorativedentistry. Some states allow to practice restorative functionssuch as placing crowns, bridges, or implants.
How Much Can You Make as a Dental Assistant?
The median annualwage for a dental assistant in 2017 was $37,630—or just over $18 anhour. According to a survey by the Dental Assisting National Board,certified dental assistants (CDA) earned more than theirnon-certified peers. CDAs median salaries were $20.46 per hour. CDAsalso report benefits including 401K or pension plans, paid holidaysand vacations, and free dental care.
The top 10% of dental assistants earned over $53,000 a year. The bottom 10% made around $26,000. Washington, D.C. has the highest wages for dental assistants. Minnesota and New Hampshire come in 2nd and 3rd respectively.
| Bottom 10% for all dental assistants | $12.58 |
| Median 50% for all dental assistants | $18.09 |
| Median 50% for CDAs | $20.46 |
| Top 10% for all dental assistants | $25.54 |
Source: “Dental Assistants”, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Career Advancement for Dental Assistants
Some dentalassistants enter the field with a plan to return to school to becomea dental hygienist. Indeed, dental assisting can be a greatstepping-stone for this kind of career advancement. Dental hygieneprograms may offer “bridge pathways” for dental assistants. Theseallow dental assistants to capitalize on their work experience andeducation to shorten the time (and expense) it takes to become ahygienist. Additionally, some dental assisting degree programs arespecifically designed to be able to transfer course credit into adental hygiene associate or bachelor’s degree program.
Other avenues foradvancement in the field of dental assisting are in dental officemanagement or dental product sales.
