Dental Assistant Schools: CODA-Accredited & Online Programs

Dental Assisting Admissions Requirements & Accreditation

Dental assisting programs, whether online or on-campus, typically require the following of applicants:

• Completed application
• Official transcripts
• Prerequisite coursework
• CPR certification
• Background check
• Drug screening
• Proof of health insurance
• Dental examination with radiographs
• Attendance at information, advising, and/or orientation sessions
• Observation hours

With regards to the education requirements, some schools accept students working toward a GED while others require it in hand prior to admission. Similarly, prerequisite coursework in subjects like math, English, and reading, as well as observation hours in a professional dental office, are required for admission to some (but not all) programs. Other pre-admission activities such as information or orientation sessions and advising may take place in person, by phone, or virtually.

Dental Assisting programs with accreditation from the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) are highly esteemed. CODA makes use of a collaborative peer-review accreditation process known for its rigor. Thus, programs earning this recognition are highly regarded within the profession, enhancing employment prospects for certification holders from accredited dental assisting programs. CODA evaluates predoctoral, advanced, and allied dental education programs.

Online Dental Assisting Programs

University of Houston, Downtown

UHD offers a 100-hour dental assistant program on-campus and online. The program offers CPR certification and upon completion, students are prepared for the state of Texas and national dental assisting exams. Successful students are also able to participate in an optional 40-hour clinical externship. Applicants with a high school or GED are eligible for admission.

As part of the program, students will delve into topics such as coding of radiology services; dental administration; dental cements and impression materials; dental radiology; the foundation of clinical dentistry; patient information and assessment; oral health and preventions of dental disease; and dental anatomy and physiology.

• Location: Houston, TX
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Contact program representative for sample schedules
• Estimated Tuition: $1,199 total (not including externship)

Rutgers University

The online, self-paced administrative dental assistant program at Rutgers prepares graduates with the skills needed to manage the business aspects of dental practices. In addition to studying dental terminology and anatomy, the curriculum focuses on medical records management, patient scheduling, procedural and diagnostic coding, billing and insurance, accounts receivable, and reimbursements.

Administrative dental assistants perform duties in conjunction with both patients and dentists, hence, other aspects of the program include building communication skills and relevant proficiency in technology. Using the DENTRIX G4 instructional software allows students to apply their learning to authentic, sample practice activities.

Some of the topics students will delve into include orientation to the dental profession; interpersonal and communication skills; records management; scheduling and recall systems; dental insurance processing; financial management; office equipment and inventory; and employment strategies.

• Location: New Brunswick, NJ
• Accreditation: American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA); Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: Six months
• Estimated Tuition: $2,285 total

Ozarks Technical Community College (Hybrid)

The goals of the dental assisting program at OTC focus on evidence-based clinical theory, technical proficiency, and professional development and service. Students are prepared for various roles within the dental health team such as chairside, oral surgery, laboratory, and orthodontic assistant. They may also serve as dental office business assistants or managers.

Participants can choose either the 36-credit dental assisting certificate or the 61-credit dental assisting AAS degree. The curriculum includes courses such as chairside assisting; infection prevention; operative dentistry; dental science and health; dental materials; dental radiology; and medical terminology.

Graduates will be ready to take up roles such as dental assistants, dental laboratory technicians, dental office managers, dentist educators, and dental supply representatives.

Participants have the option of choosing the traditional track, delivered on campus in a classroom setting, or the hybrid track, offering primarily online classes with some onsite laboratory and clinical work on-campus or in local dental facilities. Applicants of both tracks are required to attend a dental program’s informational session once a year.

• Location: Springfield, MO
• Accreditation: American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA); Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Two to three years
• Estimated Tuition: $149 per credit (in-district); $205 per credit (out-of-district); $259 per credit (out-of-state)

Hudson Valley Community College

Hudson Valley Community College’s Dental Hygiene Department offers an online dental assisting certificate preparing students who are new to this profession for performing several tasks in dental offices, such as sterilizing instruments, performing office duties, and preparing materials for dental procedures.

This online certificate consists of 27 credits, including courses such as dental assisting radiology; dental anatomy and embryology; dental materials for dental assistants; dental office procedures; and oral hygiene education and nutrition, among others.

The program also includes 225 hours of hands-on clinical experience through a formal clinical internship.

• Location: Troy, New York
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: Two terms
• Estimated Tuition: $211 per credit (residents); $422 per credit (non-residents)

Penn Foster

Penn Foster’s online dental assistant career diploma can be completed in as few as four months. Preparing graduates for the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) exam offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), this program provides them with foundational skills in dental medications, dental procedures, and more.

Consisting of 10 courses, this program explores topics such as dental terminology, anatomy, and charting; introduction to dental assistant; preventive dentistry and ethics; dental medications and materials; infection control and dental emergencies; professional opportunities and management software; and dental specialties.

• Location: Scranton, PA
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Fast track (four months); average time (seven months)
• Estimated Tuition: $799 total

Dental Assisting Professors to Know

Twyla Rader, MEd, Indiana University

Twyla Rader is a clinical assistant professor in the department of biomedical sciences and comprehensive care at Indiana University’s School of Dentistry. Before her appointment at Indiana University, Twyla Rader was a liaison to the Indiana Dental Hygiene Association Board. She teaches or has taught courses such as chemistry and nutrition; radiology; medical and dental emergencies; dental healthcare research; educational methodology in health sciences; instructional media and technology in health science education; radiology clinic.

In March 2021, she received the Trustees' Teaching Award by Indiana University, an award that honors individuals who have a positive impact on learning through the direct teaching of students. Rader has the Indiana Dental Hygiene License and the Indiana Local Anesthesia License. She completed her master’s of education in learning and technology from Western Governors University and her associate’s and bachelor’s degrees from Indiana University School of Dentistry.

Janet Sell, EdD, Ozarks Technical Community College

Dr. Janet Sell teaches both dental assisting and hygiene courses and serves as the program director in dental assisting. She holds numerous advanced degrees, including BS and MS degrees in communications and a doctorate in higher education administration. She is a certified dental assistant, has professional experience in private practices, and has served as a curriculum consultant for the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) for the past 10 years. Notably, Professor Sell was recognized for her achievements with the Excellence in Education award in 2013.

Cheryl B Startzell, MA, San Antonio College

Cheryl Startzell is an assistant professor of medical assisting and dental assisting at San Antonio College. She served as the program coordinator for the medical assisting program for eight years and currently teaches in both the dental and medical assisting programs.

Through a high-impact project grant, Professor Startzell is a consultant for the mountain plains FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders) Practice and Implementation Center. She is also a former chair (2012-14) and vice-chair (2010-12) of the medical assisting education review board, and a current co-chair of the core curriculum task force of the American Association of Medical Assistants. Ms. Startzell holds degrees in health services management (MA), biology (BS), and medical assisting (AAS).