ADVANCE YOUR

REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT

CAREER

Train to be a valuable dental team member, assisting with sterilizing equipment, preparing patients and exam rooms, scheduling and administering paperwork, and more. The Dental Assistant program from Professional Workforce Development, sponsored by Southern Adventist University, offers you the ideal opportunity to get trained and ready for a fast-growing healthcare career. Dental assistants are expected to see steady employment growth of a little over 10% — faster than the national average — over the next ten years. And through our Professional Workforce Development programs, you can get qualified for entry-level roles in this field in around 3.5 months.

INQUIRE TODAY
Ready to begin your career journey or have more questions? Connect with a Workforce Training Specialist today!
Field will not be visible to web visitor
Field will not be visible to web visitor
Field will not be visible to web visitor
Field will not be visible to web visitor
Field will not be visible to web visitor
Field will not be visible to web visitor

6 Months

PROGRAM LENGTH

RDA

CERTIFICATIONS

$4,000.00*

Payment Plan Available

TOTAL TUITION

ISSUING AUTHORITY

*Payment Plan Details: Enrollment requires a minimum deposit of $500. Installment payments will begin 30 days after the course start date. Connect with an admissions counselor to explore the payment plan available to you.

WHAT DOES A REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT DO?

Dental assistants play a crucial role in the dental office. They assist dentists with various tasks, such as preparing patients for procedures, sterilizing instruments, taking X-rays, and handling administrative duties. They also provide comfort and support to patients during their dental visits. 

A career as a dental assistant offers a rewarding blend of clinical and administrative responsibilities. It’s a great opportunity to work in a healthcare setting, helping people improve their oral health while gaining valuable skills and experience. 

WHERE DOES A REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT WORK?

Dental assistants can work in a variety of healthcare settings. They may work in private dental offices, dental clinics, hospitals, dental laboratories, government agencies, or even the armed forces. This diverse range of work environments offers dental assistants the opportunity to gain experience in different areas of dentistry and to find a career path that suits their interests and skills. 

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED 

Web browser with internet connection 

Course registration & payment 

Oral and written English proficiency is a requirement for course participation and certificate examination. 

Training Materials Provided

Expert-led, video-based training 

Competency assessments 

National Certification Exam Fee 

REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT

Outcomes

As a dental assistant, you’ll be in high demand! The healthcare field is growing rapidly, and with it, the need for skilled dental assistants. By completing a dental assistant program, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to work in a variety of dental settings. 

You’ll learn essential skills like: 

  • Preparing patients for dental procedures 
  • Assisting dentists during procedures 
  • Sterilizing dental instruments 
  • Taking dental X-rays 
  • Managing dental records 

 

With this comprehensive training, you’ll be well-prepared to launch a rewarding career in dentistry. 

Skills Learned

After completing this program, learners will be able to: 

  • Describe the process for gathering and assessing patient health information 
  • Explain the foundations of and procedures used in clinical dentistry 
  • Summarize the use of radiology in dentistry and issues associated with it 
  • Describe the primary materials, instruments, and equipment used in dentistry including basic care and maintenance of instruments 
  • Outline how dental assistants assist with various dental procedures and types of dentistry 
  • Summarize the essential administrative and communication skills required of dental assistants 
  • Explain the anatomy, physiology, and pathology concepts associated with dentistry 
  • Explain infection control, safety, and emergency procedures and regulations in the dental environment 

REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT JOB POSSIBILITIES

Portrait of a young girl getting a checkup at the dentist

Dental Assistant

Dental Sales Representative

CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

After completing this program, learners will have the option to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field. 

  • Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) 
  • National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Dental Assistant Clinical Certification (DACC) 

DANB

Dental Assisting National Board 

Earning this certification will ensure that you understand and are able to provide basic dental care. 

NWCA

National Workforce Career Association  

Earning this national certification demonstrates to future employers that you have mastered the skills and knowledge necessary to work successfully as a Dental Assistant. 

PLEASE NOTE: This program does not qualify for Dental Assistant licensing in the state of Montana. Each state’s dental board implements rules and regulations for delegating legally allowable duties to dental assistants. Passing the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) exam only conveys authority to perform these duties in those states that recognize these exams or this certification as meeting state dental assisting requirements.

REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT PAYMENT OPTIONS

In addition to the following payment options, we offer special corporate volume pricing. Visit the Corporate page for details.

Pay in full using any major credit card, PayPal, or Venmo. Select “credit card” as your payment option.
Apply for PayPal Credit and pay zero interest if your balance is paid in full within 6-months. Complete a quick application and you’ll receive a credit decision within seconds.
Pay for your training with an education loan through Sallie Mae or Meritize. Complete the course registration process to reserve your seat using one of these options.

DO YOU NEED HELP PAYING FOR YOUR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM?​

Many employers offer education assistance programs with tuition reimbursement. Schedule a call with an enrollment advisor to learn more. 

PROGRAM COMPARISONS

PROFESSIONAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Community College
Program & Tuition Cost
$5,000 average
Up to $20,000
Exam Fees, Books & Materials
Included
Up to $750
Job Ready In
3–6 months
24–48 months
Schedule Flexibility
On-demand 24/7
Set class schedule
Travel Requirements
None: 100% online
On-campus classrooms
Student Support
Personal Advisors: text, call and email access
Professors: scheduled office hours
Career Coaching
Exam-tailor + soft-skill training to build well-rounded careers
Exam-based + prerequisites and electives to meet credit
Content Delivery
3D animations, immersive environments, interactive activities, game-based learning
Professor lectures

MEET YOUR WORKFORCE TRAINING SPECIALIST!

Tracey is your Workforce Training Specialist.  She is here to help you understand your program of interest, payment options and succeed!  Get in touch with Tracey to learn more about your program, Southern Adventist University and how to achieve your workforce development goals!

FAQ

Dental assistants play a vital role in dental offices. Their duties include preparing patients for procedures, assisting dentists during treatments, sterilizing instruments, taking X-rays, and handling administrative tasks. They work closely with dentists to provide quality dental care. 

No, but the nice thing is, a college degree is not a requirement to start a career in dental assisting. The primary focus of this program is to equip students with the practical skills needed to succeed in the field.  

Yes! This provides flexibility for students to learn at their own pace and balance their studies with work and family commitments. Online programs offer the same quality education as traditional classroom-based programs. 

INTERESTED IN ANOTHER CERTIFICATE PROGRAM?

Founded in 1892, Southern Adventist University provides a quality, Christ-centered undergraduate and graduate education to approximately 2,700 students each year. Caring professors, hands-on training, and a wide selection of academic options prepare students for success, as demonstrated by our graduates’ impressive job placement numbers and high median starting salaries. Located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Southern’s 1,300-acre campus features nearly 40 miles of hiking and biking trails, a top-notch fitness center, and much more.

VIEW SOUTHERN'S DEGREE PROGRAMS

In addition to our certificate programs, Southern offers traditional college degrees with more than 100 academic options. View Southern’s Degrees

INVESTING IN A SOUTHERN DEGREE

Investing in a college degree is an important decision. Southern’s traditional degrees offer financial aid options for students. Learn about Southern’s Student Finance Options.