Students enrolled in the dental assisting program at Lake Washington Technical College (LWTC) learn skills from classroom lectures, hands-on work in the school's dental clinic and internship hours at private area dental clinics. A two-year Associate of Applied Sciences degree is available as is a certificate in dental assisting. All students are eligible to take the dental assisting national board certificate examination at the end of their studies. Located in Kirkland, Washington, LWTC has more than 3,000 full-time students and has been serving the surrounding community for more than 50 years.
Pikes Peak Community College (PPCC) offers students a choice between a two-year Associate of Applied Sciences degree or a certificate in dental assisting. At the end of their time at PPCC, students will have gained all necessary knowledge and skills to pass the dental assisting national board certificate examination and will have more than 300 hours of clinical experience. Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, PPCC offers students numerous resources, including on-campus childcare, fitness centers, academic advisers, libraries and financial aid.
The Bradford School, a two-year college located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offers an Associate degree in dental assisting. Students learn in the school's simulated dental clinic and complete two area internships before graduation. The program can generally be completed in 16 months. Students have access to the school's Career Placement Department, which provides resume feedback, practice interviews and assistance for job seekers. Because the Bradford School focuses specifically on career training, the school doesn't usually accept transfer credits earned at another school.
Hinds Community College (HCC), located in Jackson, Mississippi, offers a 12-month dental assistant technology training program. Students are trained in all aspects of working in a dentist's office, including front desk management. Graduates of the program are fully prepared to take the dental assisting national board certificate examination. Interested applicants must apply to the community college as well as specifically to the dental assisting technology program. Serving almost 20,000 students each year, HCC is the largest community college in Mississippi.