How long does it take to become a dental assistant?

It can take less than 2 years to become a dental assistant well-prepared to succeed right from the start. How much less depends on what educational pathway you choose. With Herzing University in Minneapolis you have two options: Diploma in Dental Assisting: 16 months (average) Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting: 20 months (average) Once you’ve graduated, all that’s left is getting certified to position yourself best to find your first job in dental assisting.

What does a dental assistant do?

Dental assistants help dentists deliver dental care to patients by taking on a mix of patient care and administrative duties. Their scope of practice depends on state regulations, but common responsibilities of a dental assistant include: Prepare patients for treatments and procedures Take x-rays Recordkeeping Scheduling appointments Assist patients in billing and payment Sterilizing instruments, and assisting dentists during procedures Taking medical history, blood pressure, and pulse before a procedure Talk to patients about proper oral hygiene What dental assistants do on a daily basis depends on the specific roles and responsibilities included in the job description, which can vary by employer.

What is it like to work as a dental assistant?

Dental assistants work in a well-lit, clean environment either chair-side with a dentist or in an administrative role or lab setting.Full-time and part-time positions offering day and/or evening hours are available, offering a diverse range of work settings from large corporations with multiple locations to smaller private practices. Dental assistants may also work in schools, hospital settings and the military. Working alongside a dentist, the dental assistant's patient care work includes: Handling instruments and operating dental equipment Sterilizing instruments and equipment Taking dental x-rays and processing the film Removing sutures Applying topical anesthetics to gums or cavity-preventive agents to teeth Placing rubber dams on the teeth to isolate them for individual treatment Sitting chairside with the dentist to assist with procedures Obtaining health and dental history information from patients Producing diagnostic dental x-rays to aid in treatment planning Applying current infection control techniques within the dental office Performing expanded functions, such as polishing, applying sealants and others, with appropriate training in line with state mandates In addition, these professionals can also be involved in office-related tasks such as scheduling and confirming appointments, maintaining treatment records, handling patient payments and ordering supplies and other materials. There are a variety of settings in which a dental assistant can work. Those include, but are not limited to, private practice, clinics, military positions, correctional facilities, nursing homes, schools, health departments and labs. Herzing University provides its dental assistant program graduates with a wide range of skills that can be applied to a variety of settings. Professional dental assistants demonstrate exceptional time management skills, multitasking abilities, are detailed oriented, and contribute to a positive team environment while focusing on patient care as a top priority.

Dental Assistant School in Minneapolis, MN

Choose your dental assisting educational pathway with Herzing

CODA accredited¹
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Associate degree and diploma options
Choose on-campus classes or our unique Hybrid Track, offering online delivery of main program coursework; available through our Minneapolis campus
Program length: 16-20 months, depending on your choice of diploma or degree
Pathway to earn a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Graduates will be prepared to sit for the Dental Assistant State Licensure Exam (DASLE) (MN), Jurisprudence Exam (MN), and the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA®) exams to become a Licensed Dental Assistant (LDA) in the State of Minnesota and become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA®) through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

Waived enrollment fee Now Through March 31st

Program

Dental Assistant ranked among the Best Health Care Support Jobs in America for 2022 by U.S. News & World Report.

A top growth career in the booming field of healthcare.

Dental assistants now play a key role in dental offices in Minnesota and across the country. As the demand for dental services continues to grow, these professionals are being called on to handle a broader range of responsibilities. You can prepare to join this growing career field by earning your associate degree or diploma in dental assisting from Herzing University in Minneapolis - then study toward a dental hygiene degree while you work.

A career as a dental assistant could be right for you if you:

Are very precise and detail oriented
Enjoy helping others
Have strong visual/spatial abilities
Have good dexterity
Have good communication and people skills
Work well as part of a team
Are interested in teeth and promoting oral health

Learn More Today

Available at the Minneapolis campus only

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Pathways

**Follow your career pathway** with Herzing

Diploma
Dental Assisting

Program length: 16 months
Classes: View the curriculum
Credential earned: Diploma in Dental Assisting

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Associate Degree in Dental Assisting Program

Associate degree
Dental Assisting

Program length: 20 months
Classes: View the curriculum
Credential earned: Associate of Science in Dental Assisting

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Dental Hygiene Bachelor's Degree Program

Bachelor's degree
Dental Hygiene

Program length: 36 months
Classes: View the curriculum
Credential earned: Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene

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Choose how you learn with Herzing

We strive to provide maximum flexibility for students, because we know everyone learns differently and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to education. Our program is designed for you.

That’s why we offer multiple delivery options for our dental assisting program, which apply to both our diploma and associate degree pathways:

On-campus classes. Take all courses in-person at our campus in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Hybrid Track. Take main coursework online, and complete laboratory and clinical coursework at our state-of-the-industry dental clinic in St. Louis Park (1 or 2 weekends per month).

Go from Dental Assistant to Dental Hygienist

With Herzing University, you have a path to earn dental assisting and dental hygiene credentials in 4 years! Through our unique pathway, you can start your dental assisting career in as little as 20 months, then continue to study for a dental hygiene career while you work.

Begin building dental assisting job experience
Stand out in the job market with two industry-current qualifications
Finish your dental assisting program with a 3.0 GPA or better and you’ll become eligible for a scholarship opportunity

After four years, you could have relevant work experience plus two in-demand qualifications.

Learn More

Emma found her calling. Are you next?

“I’m going to have a job when I’m done, and that’s that. I feel really proud to say it, and it feels good. I’m excited to actually do something that I enjoy doing now.”

Tuition & Cost

16-20 months | 47-68 credits

$441 per credit

after scholarship*

You are worth it.

Request Info

*When student accepts awarded scholarship.

Tuition & Cost

With Herzing University, an affordable, career-focused education in dental assisting is within your reach. We are always striving to make college more affordable for everyone.

Opportunities for financial aid include:

Requirements

Dental assisting program enrollment requirements

Prerequisites to enroll in the Herzing University Dental Assisting program include:

Completion of a high school diploma, GED or equivalent
Meet and interview with a Herzing University admissions advisor
Complete an enrollment application

Waived Enrollment Fee

Now Through March 31st

Apply Now Request Info

Careers

Career possibilities in dental assisting

Dental assistants work closely with, and under the supervision of, dentists. For many, this entry-level occupation provides basic dental assisting training and experience and serves as a steppingstone to more highly-skilled and higher paying jobs.

Some dental assistants become:

Chairside dental assistant
Dental front office staff
Dental office receptionist
Office managers
Dental assisting instructors
Dental product sales representatives
Insurance claims processors for dental insurance companies
Others go back to school to become dental hygienists

As a dental assistant, you will likely perform a variety of tasks including chairside assisting, patient education, taking radiographs, polishing teeth, taking impressions and much more. In addition, these professionals can also be involved in office-related tasks such as scheduling and confirming appointments, maintaining treatment records, handling patient payments and ordering supplies and other materials.

Job outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dental assistants is expected to rise 11% from 2020-2030, faster than the average across all U.S. occupations. Dental assistants in Minnesota earn a higher salary on average than any other U.S. state ($53,670 per year, $25.80 per hour).*

Dentists are expected to hire more assistants to perform routine tasks so that they may devote their own time to more complex procedures. In addition, numerous job openings will arise out of the need to replace assistants who transfer to other occupations, retire, or leave for other reasons.

Now is a great time to begin earning the education you need to join this growing career field.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Dental assisting can be a great career choice for the right type of person!

If you have good interpersonal, listening, and organizational skills, you have the potential to be an excellent dental assistant. Dental assistants can take on many types of tasks, and you must be prepared to be a versatile team player, eager to do whatever is needed to help things run smoothly.

Dental assistants typically enjoy regular office hours (evenings and/or weekends, in some cases), a variety of job duties, and a strong foundation of experience to advance their career in the future.

Enrolling in a diploma or degree program to become a dental assistant can really be worth it!

Dental assistants work in a well-lit, clean environment either chair-side with a dentist or in an administrative role or lab setting. Full-time and part-time positions offering day and/or evening hours are available, offering a diverse range of work settings from large corporations with multiple locations to smaller private practices. Dental assistants may also work in schools, hospital settings and the military.

Working alongside a dentist, the dental assistant's patient care work includes:

Handling instruments and operating dental equipment
Sterilizing instruments and equipment
Taking dental x-rays and processing the film
Removing sutures
Applying topical anesthetics to gums or cavity-preventive agents to teeth
Placing rubber dams on the teeth to isolate them for individual treatment
Sitting chairside with the dentist to assist with procedures
Obtaining health and dental history information from patients
Producing diagnostic dental x-rays to aid in treatment planning
Applying current infection control techniques within the dental office
Performing expanded functions, such as polishing, applying sealants and others, with appropriate training in line with state mandates

In addition, these professionals can also be involved in office-related tasks such as scheduling and confirming appointments, maintaining treatment records, handling patient payments and ordering supplies and other materials.

There are a variety of settings in which a dental assistant can work. Those include, but are not limited to, private practice, clinics, military positions, correctional facilities, nursing homes, schools, health departments and labs. Herzing University provides its dental assistant program graduates with a wide range of skills that can be applied to a variety of settings.

Professional dental assistants demonstrate exceptional time management skills, multitasking abilities, are detailed oriented, and contribute to a positive team environment while focusing on patient care as a top priority.

Dental assistants help dentists deliver dental care to patients by taking on a mix of patient care and administrative duties. Their scope of practice depends on state regulations, but common responsibilities of a dental assistant include:

Prepare patients for treatments and procedures
Take x-rays
Recordkeeping
Scheduling appointments
Assist patients in billing and payment
Sterilizing instruments, and assisting dentists during procedures
Taking medical history, blood pressure, and pulse before a procedure
Talk to patients about proper oral hygiene

What dental assistants do on a daily basis depends on the specific roles and responsibilities included in the job description, which can vary by employer.

With Herzing University you are never alone in paying for dental assisting school. There are many potential options for financial aid, including loans, scholarships, VA/military benefits, and more. Please contact us for eligibility.

You can use the Herzing Tuition Wizard to determine the cost of tuition for our diploma or associate degree in dental assisting, available through our Minneapolis campus.

According to 2020 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental assistants earn an average salary of $42,310 per year ($20.34 per hour).*

Dental assistants in the state of Minnesota earn an average salary of $53,670 per year ($25.80 per hour), which represents the highest state average in the country.

It can take less than 2 years to become a dental assistant well-prepared to succeed right from the start.

How much less depends on what educational pathway you choose. With Herzing University in Minneapolis you have two options:

Diploma in Dental Assisting: 16 months (average)
Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting: 20 months (average)

Once you’ve graduated, all that’s left is getting certified to position yourself best to find your first job in dental assisting.

Dental assisting can be hard if it’s not the right type of job for your personality—or if you’re unprepared to succeed in the position.

Earning a formal education helps you build the knowledge and skills to be comfortable in the role right from the start.

Medical Assisting

Dental Hygiene

Sterile Processing

Accreditation

Accreditation & Disclosure

1. The Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting and the Diploma in Dental Assisting programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678. The Commission's web address is: http://www.ada.org/en/coda. Consequently, graduates are eligible to take the examinations leading to certified dental assistant (CDA®) certification through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals

Herzing University’s Bloodborne Pathogens Policy

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2020. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

Visit Us

Come visit our campus in Minneapolis, Minnesota to learn more about Herzing’s dental assistant programs and how we can help you reach your career goals.