If you want to get a career in dental assisting that fits your schedule, there are various programs available in and around the Philadelphia area giving night classes. Each program provides comprehensive training in essential dental assisting skills, combining both hands-on practice and theoretical knowledge.
Below are brief descriptions of each program, with more detailed summaries provided on individual pages, including information on program costs, duration, class schedules, location, certifications offered, general focus, and contact information.
Explore each program further to find the best fit for your needs and goals in dental assisting.
Browse Schools:
1. Shark Dental Academy
Shark Dental Academy offers a structured evening dental assistant program, designed for those with busy daytime schedules. Classes are held from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, typically lasting 10-18 weeks, with most students completing the program in 14 weeks. This evening format provides consistent, focused training sessions twice a week.
The program totals 128 hours, divided into 45 contact hours, 51 lecture hours, and 32 externship hours. Students engage in hands-on training that covers infection control, dental radiography, sterilization techniques, and essential chairside assisting skills. The curriculum is specifically structured to equip students with practical knowledge through in-office settings, exposing them to real dental procedures and tools under guided supervision.
In addition to classroom training, the program includes a 32-hour externship at a local dental office, providing real-world experience. Small class sizes, typically 4-6 students, allow for individualized instruction and support.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | $3,000 |
| Program Duration | 10-18 weeks (typically 14 weeks) |
| Class Schedules | Evenings (5:30 PM – 7:30 PM) |
| Online Classes? | No |
| Location | Old York Rd, Abington, PA 19001 |
| Phone | (215) 583-0057 |
2. Lehigh Valley School of Dental Assisting
The Lehigh Valley School of Dental Assisting offers an accelerated 12-week program with evening classes held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This format allows students to balance training with other commitments while gaining essential dental assisting skills. Each session combines lecture-based learning with practical, hands-on labs, simulating a real dental office environment.
Throughout the course, students study dental anatomy, radiology, sterilization, and patient preparation. The curriculum includes role-playing exercises and instrument handling to build proficiency in chairside assisting. Additionally, students participate in a 40-hour externship at a local dental office, gaining real-world experience under professional supervision.
The program’s small class sizes, limited to six students, ensure personalized attention from instructors. Upon completion, students are prepared for entry-level roles in dental offices, equipped with knowledge in infection control, radiography, and patient care management.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | $3,495 |
| Program Duration | 12 weeks |
| Class Schedules | Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Online Classes? | No |
| Location | 881 3rd Street, Suite A-3, Whitehall, PA 18052 |
| Phone | (610) 510-7336 |
3. YTI Career Institute
YTI Career Institute’s Dental Assisting program spans 10 months and features evening class schedules designed to accommodate students balancing other commitments. Classes are held on-campus for lab work from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, two to three nights per week, allowing students to gain practical, hands-on experience with dental equipment and techniques in an industry-modeled environment.
In addition to evening lab sessions, the program includes online lecture components that students complete independently, requiring approximately 25-30 hours per week for assignments, readings, and activities. All course materials are accessible online at any time, providing flexibility for students to complete the lecture portion around their schedules. This hybrid format combines the convenience of self-paced online learning with in-person lab work to ensure comprehensive skill development.
The curriculum covers essential topics such as radiology, infection control, chairside assisting, and sterilization. Students complete a 335-hour externship in a dental office or clinic during daytime hours, applying their knowledge in a real-world setting. The program prepares students for the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE) certification exams through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), with the first test fee included in the tuition.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | $2,895 |
| Program Duration | 10 months |
| Class Schedules | Evening classes, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, 2-3 nights per week |
| Online Classes? | Yes, hybrid format with online lectures |
| Location | 1405 Williams Rd, York, PA 17402 |
| Phone | (717) 757-1100 |
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We’ve handpicked the best dental assistant programs in Philadelphia—including online, accelerated, and part-time options—to help you find the right fit faster.
4. Bucks County Community College Dental Assistant Program
The Dental Assistant Program at Bucks County Community College spans 100 hours and is structured to provide evening classes in a hybrid format. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, with students attending sessions in person at the Newtown Campus on Tuesdays and live online via Zoom on Thursdays.
The curriculum covers both administrative and clinical areas of dental assisting, including topics such as dental anatomy, patient positioning, sterilization, and dental equipment usage. Additionally, the program prepares students for the DANB Radiology Health and Safety (RHS) exam, which is required for those performing radiological procedures in Pennsylvania.
This program is free for students who qualify for funding through PA CareerLink, and scholarships may also be available. The program’s hybrid structure requires students to engage both in hands-on training on campus and interactive online learning, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience in dental assisting.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free for those who qualify (via PA CareerLink funding); otherwise, $2,300 |
| Program Duration | 100 hours |
| Class Schedules | Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM (Evening classes) |
| Online Classes? | Yes, hybrid format with online sessions on Thursdays |
| Location | Newtown Campus, 275 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940 |
| Phone | 215-504-8581 |
Our Recommendation
Choosing the right dental assistant program in the Philadelphia area—especially if you’re looking for evening classes—comes down to finding the best fit for your schedule, learning style, and career goals. Each program offers a different blend of affordability, format, and depth of instruction. Here’s our expert take on how to approach your decision:
Before committing to any program, reach out to each school directly. Visit if you can, attend an info session, or ask for a brief call with an instructor or program coordinator. Getting a feel for how they communicate—and how invested they seem in your success—can be the most telling factor in your decision.
Let the numbers guide you, but let your instincts—and the experience of others—validate your choice. A dental assisting program is a short-term commitment, but the right one can lay the groundwork for a long, successful career.