How Long is Dental Assistant School? A Comprehensive Look at the Timeline

The pathway to becoming a dental assistant is an exciting journey filled with opportunities for growth and learning. One of the first questions prospective dental assistants often ask is, “How long is dental assistant school?” The answer can vary depending on various factors, such as the type of program and the student’s availability. This article provides an overview of the timeline involved in completing dental assistant school.

Traditional dental assistant programs offered by community colleges or vocational schools typically take about one to two years to complete, leading to a certificate, diploma, or associate’s degree. These programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience, equipping students with a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

The duration largely depends on the program’s scope and intensity. Certificate or diploma programs can usually be completed in a year or less, while an associate degree program typically takes around two years of full-time study.

If you’re eager to join the dental field quickly, an accelerated dental assistant program might be the ideal choice for you. These programs, like the one offered by 90 Day Dental Assistant, are designed to provide the necessary training in a condensed timeframe.

Our online dental assistant program is designed to be completed in 90 days or less if you study full time. However, the beauty of our program lies in its flexibility. The course is self-paced, meaning you can adjust the pace of your study to suit your schedule. So, while some students complete the program in 90 days, others may take a bit longer, especially if they’re juggling other responsibilities like a job or family commitments. Importantly, you’ll have access to the course materials for a full 12 months, allowing you ample time to grasp the content thoroughly.

Apart from the dental assistant program duration, you should also factor in the time it takes to prepare for certification exams. While some programs, like the one at 90 Day Dental Assistant, include exam preparation in their curriculum, others do not, requiring students to set aside additional time for this crucial step. Typically, a few weeks of focused study should suffice to prepare for these exams.

Another critical component of dental assistant training is the externship. An externship provides real-world, hands-on experience, allowing you to apply the skills you’ve learned during your coursework. At 90 Day Dental Assistant, we provide externship coordination at no additional cost, enhancing your employability upon graduation. The duration of an externship can vary, but it generally spans several weeks to a few months.

Becoming a dental assistant is a fast-track career path compared to many other professions in healthcare. The duration of dental assistant school varies but can be as short as 90 days with accelerated, self-paced programs like the one offered by 90 Day Dental Assistant. Importantly, our program is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing you to balance your studies with your existing life commitments. So why wait? Start your journey towards a rewarding career in dental assisting today!