Online Dental Assistant Classes in Philadelphia

The National Entry-Level Dental Assistant Program at Community College of Philadelphia provides a hybrid learning format, combining online lectures with in-person labs. Classes are scheduled on Saturdays, with live online lectures alternating with hands-on lab sessions held every other week at the Career & Advanced Technology Center. Each Saturday lecture session runs from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., allowing students to complete two hours of asynchronous assignments independently.

The curriculum spans 112 hours over three months, covering foundational skills in dental assisting, including infection control, dental radiology, and oral anatomy. This program prepares students to sit for three components of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exams: Radiation Health and Safety (RHS), Infection Control (ICE), and Anatomy, Morphology, and Physiology (AMP), though exam fees are not included.An externship is available upon successful completion of coursework, providing real-world experience in a clinical setting. Students who complete the program are eligible for three college credits that may apply toward an associate degree in Health Care Studies. The program costs $2,999, with payment plan options and potential tuition assistance through the Workforce Development Program. For registration and further information, prospective students can contact the college.

YTI Career Institute’s Dental Assisting program in York is structured as a 10-month hybrid program that combines online learning with on-campus lab sessions. Online components are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to access lecture materials, assignments, and resources at any time, which requires approximately 25-30 hours of study per week. Students complete lab sessions at the York campus 2-3 times per week, with the option of day (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.) or evening (5 p.m. – 9 p.m.) lab hours based on course requirements.

The curriculum prepares students for entry-level positions in dental offices, covering skills such as chairside assisting, radiology, sterilization, and CPR. It also includes preparation for certifications in Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE), with the first test fees included in tuition. Hands-on training uses industry-standard equipment and includes a 335-hour externship in a dental office or clinic, allowing students to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.

Classes begin regularly, with an automated online application portal available for enrollment. Financial aid options, including grants and scholarships, are also offered. YTI is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), ensuring a high standard of education for students.

The Dental Assisting Program at Berks Technical Institute provides training in essential dental assistant skills through a hybrid format that combines both online and in-person learning. FlexTrack courses offer online instruction, allowing students to complete parts of their coursework remotely, while Hybrid courses require both online and in-person participation for each course, ensuring students receive practical, hands-on experience. The program is structured over seven terms, totaling 92 credits, and spans 18 months.

Courses cover topics such as dental infection control, chairside assisting, radiology, and patient scheduling. Students also receive training in administrative procedures relevant to dental offices, such as computerized dental systems and office procedures. The program includes three practicum courses, providing hands-on training in dental labs to reinforce skills learned in the classroom.

The final months of the program focus on advanced topics and an externship, where students gain real-world experience in a professional dental setting. Upon graduation, students earn an Associate in Specialized Technology degree, preparing them for various entry-level roles in dental practices, including positions as dental receptionists and lab technicians. For additional details, contact Berks Technical Institute directly.

The Bucks County Community College Dental Assistant Program provides a 100-hour curriculum focused on foundational and practical dental assistant skills. Offered in a hybrid format, the program combines online and in-person classes, allowing students to participate in live Zoom sessions on Thursdays while attending in-person classes at the Newtown Campus on Tuesdays. This structure enables flexibility while maintaining hands-on training essential for dental assisting.

The course covers both administrative and clinical topics, including dental office policies, oral anatomy, equipment handling, and patient positioning. Additionally, students gain skills in sterilization, dental handpiece usage, and the handling of both primary and permanent tooth structures. A key component of the program is the preparation for the DANB Radiology Health and Safety (RHS) Examination, which is a requirement in Pennsylvania for those performing radiologic procedures in dental settings.

For students who qualify through PA CareerLink, the program is tuition-free, with additional scholarship options available. Registration for upcoming classes opens December 2, 2024, and students interested in more details can contact Bucks County Community College at [email protected] or 215-968-8000.

The Clinical Dental Assistant program at Manor College is a self-paced, online course designed to equip students with foundational skills in dental assisting. The program covers a wide range of topics, including dental anatomy, patient care, infection control, radiology, pharmacology, and emergency management. Students learn through a combination of online coursework and video tutorials, with optional modules like Dentrix Practice Management software, which simulates dental office operations.

The course includes preparation for national certifications such as the Infection Control (ICE), Anatomy, Morphology, and Physiology (AMP), and Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exams. Vouchers for these exams are included in the program, allowing graduates to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exams required for the NELDA or CDA credentials. Those with 3,500 clinical hours can pursue further certification through the General Chairside Assisting exam.After completing the course, students may apply for an optional clinical experience to gain hands-on skills in a real dental setting. Eligibility for this clinical experience requires completion of at least 80% of the coursework and meeting host site prerequisites. Though clinical placement is not guaranteed, students are encouraged to apply through the program’s coordinator. The course is structured to be completed in 12 months and requires basic computer hardware and software.