Advance Your

Registered Dental Assistant

Career

INQUIRE TODAY
Ready to begin your career journey or have more questions? Connect with a Workforce Training Specialist today!
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6 Months

PROGRAM LENGTH

$4,000.00

Payment Plan Available

TOTAL TUITION

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

Young female assistant putting dental implant surgery set into autoclave. Sterilization of stomatology instruments

Laboratory Assistant

$26,000 – $49,000
ESTIMATED SALARY

Healthcare worker helping old man

Dental Assistant 

$26,000 – $49,000
ESTIMATED SALARY

Dental Sales Representative 

$26,000 – $49,000
ESTIMATED SALARY

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. 

ISSUING AUTHORITY

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.

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
$4,000 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

CONTACT YOUR WORKFORCE REPRESENTATIVE TO GET STARTED

April is your Workforce Training Specialist.  She is here to help you understand your program of interest, payment options and succeed!  Get in touch with April to learn more about your program, Walla Walla 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 Program?

Walla Walla University located in College Place, Washington, provides the highest quality training in order to best serve students and surrounding communities. Our specialized career training programs provide up-to-date and in-demand skills, preparation and certification, ensuring that everyone who completes our programs is of the highest caliber.