Dental Assistant Training Program

Program Cost

$2,990
(Includes $2,925 tuition + $65 non-refundable special fee)

• Tuition is due upon acceptance and registration.
• This program is not eligible for employee tuition reduction.

Payment Details:

• Tuition is due once you’re accepted and registered. An invoice will be sent to you, and payment is due within 7 business days. This usually falls about 4–6 weeks before the orientation date, depending on holidays and semester breaks.
• The special fee ($65) covers the cost of required background check and drug screen, and are nonrefundable.
• Payment must be submitted directly to Professional Education. This program follows Professional Education’s payment timelines and does not use the Income Accounting deadlines for matriculated University courses.
• Payment plans are not available at this time.
• This noncredit certificate program is not eligible for federal financial aid. Students may want to check with their employer to see if tuition assistance is an option.
• University of Utah employee tuition reduction benefits do not apply to this program.
• The tuition listed above applies to the 2026 academic year and may change without advance notice.

Program Timeline

Students will move through the program in approximately 14-16 weeks.

• Attend one mandatory, in-person 4-hour orientation session to meet your instructors and get prepared for the program. See Dental Assistant Training Program Overview (PDF).
• Complete the 36-hour interactive NELDA online curriculum, designed for entry-level learners by The Dale Foundation founded by DANB. Plan to study 15–20 hours per week to stay on track for in-person skills workshops.
• Participate in three 8-hour, hands-on skills workshops held during daytime hours in the Simulation Lab, Technique Lab, and clinical spaces at the University of Utah School of Dentistry. Optional open lab dates are also available for extra practice and review.
• Begin a 90-hour externship in a dental setting after completing the second skills workshop. Externships take place during daytime hours and are coordinated and overseen by the University of Utah School of Dentistry (SOD).
• Join one daytime clinic session per month to gain real-world experience in chairside dental assisting and patient care.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED
• Demonstrate professional working proficiency in English
• Pass a criminal background check and 11-panel drug screening (both are arranged through the University of Utah and covered by the nonrefundable $65 special fee). See Drug Screen and Background Check information.
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  Background Check Instructions

  Next Steps: Drug Screen & Background Check

  We work with Certiphi to complete required drug screens and background checks. This document serves as a simple guide, more detailed information is emailed directly to student upon registration and payment of tuition.

  Watch for an Email

  You will get an email from applicationstation@certiphi.com. It will have a link and a code to start your drug screen and background check. You’ll do the background check in the Certiphi system. Follow the prompts and fill out each section.

  1. Create Your Account
     Click the link in the email to open the Certiphi site. Use your code to make an account. You’ll need to create a username and password, and then agree to the terms.
  2. Pay the Fee
     The standard fee is paid on your behalf by our office or programmed into class fee depending on program.
  3. Schedule Your Drug Screen
     Certiphi will provide you a list of places nearby where you can go. Choose one and schedule your visit. Once scheduled you have 48 hours to complete the test.
  4. Go to Your Appointment
     Go to the lab you chose and give a urine sample. Be prepared to list your current medications. Keep the receipt they give you.
  5. Track Your Progress
     Certiphi lets you check each step online. You can see when your sample is sent, tested, and when results are ready.
  6. If Certiphi Calls You
     If your test shows something unusual, a doctor from Certiphi (called an MRO) will call you. They’ll ask if you have a medical reason. You’ll need to respond within 3 days.
  7. Get Your Results
     When your results are ready, you can download them from your Certiphi account. We will also be notified. No extra action is needed unless we contact you.

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• Submit documentation of required immunizations: MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, and baseline TB testing. See Immunization Records.
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  Student Immunization Requirements

  Instructions for submitting your immunization records will be emailed to you once you have been accepted into the program following registration and payment.

  1. TB Screening
  • Two negative TST (tuberculin skin tests) completed within the past 12 months
  • IGRA (QuantiFERON Gold or T-Spot) blood test completed within the past 12 months
  • Chest X-ray completed within the past 12 months (only if you have previously tested positive on a TST)
  2. Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
  • Two MMR immunizations
  • Measles titer that confirms immunity
  3. Chickenpox (Varicella)
  • Two varicella immunizations
  • Varicella titer that confirms immunity
  4. Hepatitis B
  • A positive Hepatitis B titer that confirms immunity.
  • Note: A record of the three-shot Hepatitis B series alone is not sufficient. A positive titer is required.
  5. Tetanus–Diphtheria–Pertussis (Tdap/Td)
  • One Tdap immunization received at age 11 or older
  • Td or Tdap booster received within the past 10 years

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• You must obtain and maintain a current CPR certification before the program begins. Training must be completed in person or in a hybrid virtual/in-person format. Fully online CPR certifications are not accepted.

Contact Us

Professional Education at the University of Utah
Phone: 801-585-1780
E-mail: proedhealth@utah.edu
Online Contact Form

Drop and Refund Policy for the Dental Assistant Training Program (PROEA 237)

Opening your course materials voids any refund for PROEA 237. During orientation, you’ll be guided through how to access your materials. Once they’re opened, the course is considered started, and drops or refunds are no longer available. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Before opening materials (after registration and payment):

• You may request to be dropped and refunded tuition.
• Email proedhealth@utah.edu directly to submit your drop request.
• Special fees are nonrefundable.
• Because this is a noncredit course, withdrawals are not applicable.