STUDENT EXPERIENCE

What to Expect as a Dental Assistant Student

Wondering what it's really like? Here's a look inside our 12-week program — from your first day to graduation.

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See for Yourself

Apply today and we'll walk you through what your schedule and experience will look like.

Weeks to Graduate: 12
Total Tuition: $3,650
Next Start Date: April 11, 2026
Down Payment as Low As: $1450

Your 12-Week Journey

Our program is designed to take you from beginner to job-ready in 12 weeks. Here's what your experience will look like:

Weeks 1-2: Building Your Foundation

You'll start by learning the fundamentals — dental terminology, professional conduct, and the basics of working in a dental office. You'll meet your classmates and instructors, and start getting comfortable in a clinical environment.

Weeks 3-8: Hands-On Clinical Training

This is where it gets real. You'll practice clinical skills in a real dental office environment, working with actual equipment and tools. You'll learn chairside assisting, infection control, dental charting, X-rays, and clinical procedures.

Weeks 9-10: Certification Prep

Prepare for your dental assistant certification exam with comprehensive review sessions and practice tests. You'll earn your credential as part of the program.

Weeks 11-12: Externship

Put everything you've learned into practice during your externship at a local dental office. You'll work alongside licensed professionals, gaining real-world experience that employers value.

A Typical Week

Classroom Learning

Each week includes structured classroom time where you'll learn the theory and knowledge behind dental assisting — from anatomy and terminology to patient care protocols and office procedures.

Hands-On Practice

Our classes take place in real dental offices, so you'll practice on the same equipment you'll use in your career. This isn't a simulation — it's the real thing.

What You'll Learn

Dental terminology
Chairside assisting
Infection control
Dental radiography (X-rays)
Dental charting

Instrument identification
Restorative procedures
Patient care & comfort
Office management
Certification exam prep

Small Classes, Big Support

Our class sizes are small by design, so you get the individual attention you need. Your instructors are experienced dental professionals who are invested in your success — and our student support team is here to help with everything from scheduling to career placement.

What Are Our Students Saying?

Google 4.9 (42)

This school is absolutely amazing! Instructors are wonderful, so much hands on experience in a real dental office. Online coursework is perfect for anyone who needs to do school on their own time.

Hollis Bates

Love the instructors!!

Sara Carroll

My daughter loves it here!! The instructions are clear and easy for slow people!

Bradley Walker

Very hands on and great organization of classes and materials

Christina Hall

I am absolutely loving Dalton Dental Assisting school. I have learned so much and the instructors have been so patient and supportive through it all. I love how classes are on Saturdays and class w... Read more