Continuing Education at the University of Utah: Classes for All Ages!

a dental assistant smiling while talking to a patient

Applications are now open for our Spring 2027 cohort starting Monday, January 11, 2027! Take the next step toward your goals and apply by Friday, October 16, 2026.

The Dental Assistant Training Program, offered in partnership with the University of Utah School of Dentistry and Professional Education, prepares qualified applicants to start a rewarding new career in just four months.

students in masks and scrubs working on dental practice dummies in a classroom lab.

Employment Trends and Data

Employment for dental assistants is expected to grow by 8% over the next decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Demand remains strong in both private practices and public health settings, with around 54,900 job openings projected each year due to retirements and career changes.

Along with competitive pay, many dental assistants enjoy regular daytime hours, predictable schedules, and the opportunity to work closely with a team focused on patient care.

Ready to get started? Apply now and take the first step toward a rewarding career in dental assisting.

Apply Today!

Tanya created such a welcoming and motivating environment that pushed students to grow while still feeling supported throughout the process. I appreciated how much effort was put into preparing students to feel confident, capable, and career-ready. I truly believe this program prepares students well for entering the dental field, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in pursuing dental assisting or patient care.”

— Kimberlyrose Espinoza

About the Program

The Dental Assistant Training Program blends trusted instruction with modern, hands-on learning. Students gain experience through clinical rotations and lab-based workshops, while also building skills with advanced tools like digital scanning, 3D imaging, and virtual simulations.

Offered Spring, Summer, and Fall: Offered with specific start and end dates. Schedule details are sent to applicants once their application is received.

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.
Submit documentation of required immunizations: MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, and baseline TB testing. See Immunization Records.
Obtain and maintain a current CPR certification. This certification is offered during the program and is included in class fees.

Schedule:

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.
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.

Tuition:

Total Program - $3090 (Includes $2,925 tuition + $165 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 after acceptance and registration. An invoice will be sent to you, and payment must be received within 10 business days. Depending on holidays and semester breaks, invoices are typically issued 4–6 weeks before orientation.

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.

The special fee ($165) covers the cost of required background check, drug screen, and BLS Certification. Class Fees are nonrefundable.
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.
Tuition is subject to change without advance notice.

Drop and Refund Policy

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.

Why Choose This Program

With a focus on patient-centered care and emerging technologies, graduates are prepared to make an immediate impact. Supported by the University of Utah’s strong reputation in healthcare education, this program helps students build a solid foundation for long-term success in a growing field.

The program includes access to the 36-hour online National Entry-Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) curriculum, a study resource developed by the DALE Foundation and founded by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). This NELDA Bundle is designed to help students prepare for the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam:

Radiation Health and Safety (RHS®)
Infection Control (ICE®)
Anatomy, Morphology and Physiology (AMP®)

This unique program combines the NELDA curriculum with hands-on experience to build practical skills and boost your exam readiness. Please note that to sit for the CDA exam you must have a minimum of 3,500 hours of dental assisting experience. Completing the CDA exam is not a required component of our program, but the curriculum is designed to help students prepare for the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam once their hours are obtained. Students are responsible for scheduling and paying for the official exams through DANB at an approved testing center.

Instructor

A woman with curly hair wearing a red floral blouse.

Tanya Schoenmann

Tanya Schoenmann

Tanya Schoenmann is a highly experienced and dedicated professional in dental education, serving as our Dental Assistant Training Program Manager. With a career spanning over 18 years in the dental field, Tanya brings a wealth of practical knowledge and a passion for fostering the next generation of dental assistants.

Tanya began her career as a dental assistant, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in various dental specialties, including general dentistry, oral surgery, and oral radiology. This comprehensive background provided her with a deep understanding of the essential skills and responsibilities required for a successful dental assistant and helped push her to obtain her certification from the Dental Assisting National Board.

Driven by a desire to share her expertise and contribute to the professional development of others, Tanya transitioned into dental education. Prior to her current role, she served as a lead assistant for the School of Dentistry's Radiology and Oral Diagnostic's Department, where she implemented innovative teaching methodologies, and mentored countless students. Tanya is known for her approachable demeanor, strong leadership skills, and unwavering commitment to excellence. She is passionate about empowering aspiring dental assistants with the knowledge and confidence they need to thrive in a rewarding career.

Now more than ever, the dental industry needs skilled, adaptable assistants who can support clinical excellence and enhance the patient experience. This program is designed to empower students with hands-on skills, clinical knowledge, and the confidence to excel in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment. What makes this program truly unique is its hybrid nature and its home within a dental school—giving students the opportunity to learn from talented professors and collaborate with current dental students.”

— Tanya Schoenmann

Contact Info

Professional Education at the University of Utah

Phone: 801-585-1780
E-mail: proed@continue.utah.edu
Online contact form

A woman giving instruction to students in a dental lab classroom.

Program Overview

The Dental Assistant Training Program (DATP) prepares students for entry-level dental assisting roles through hybrid online coursework, hands-on workshops, and clinical training.

Application Process

Apply online through the University of Utah Professional Education portal.
Eligible applicants will interview with program staff.
Acceptance requires tuition payment, background check, drug screening, and required immunizations.
Program includes 36 hours of online modules, three 8-hour sessions of hands-on workshops, optional open labs offered twice a week, and 90 hours of externship training.

Orientation

All students must attend a mandatory orientation during the first week. Orientation begins at 9:00 AM and lasts about 3 hours.

Topics covered:

Program overview and expectations
Tour of labs and clinical spaces
Canvas access and online module instructions
Badge and UID information

Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification

Students must complete American Heart Association (AHA) BLS certification before their first workshop. This includes an online module and an in-person session. Students with valid certification are exempt. The DATP does not provide BLS training.

Online Coursework

Students receive 6 months of access to online NELDA/DALE foundation modules. Coursework includes three 12-hour courses:

Infection Control
Radiation Health and Safety (RHS)
Anatomy, Morphology, and Physiology (AMP)

These courses prepare students for two exams required for Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification. The third exam requires 3,500 hours of chairside experience.

Hands-on Workshops

Three mandatory workshops run from 8:00 AM–5:00 PM each month at the School of Dentistry (530 Wakara Way). Optional open labs provide additional skills practice.

Workshop Topics Workshop 1: Core Skills

Infection control processes (handwashing, PPE, operatory setup)
HIPAA guidelines, ethics in dentistry
Basic dental anatomy and charting
Instrument transfer and transfer zones
Alginate impressions and model trimming
Retraction and isolation techniques, and coronal polishing

Workshop 2: Medical Emergencies & Radiology

Patient vitals and medical history review, and continued dental charting
Radiology safety, positioning and techniques
Digital scanning and impression techniques

Workshop 3: General Chairside Assisting

Specialty dental procedures and instruments
Tray setups, dental materials and mixing techniques
Fabrication of temporary crowns and custom trays

Example Workshop Schedule

The following example schedule outlines the program stage followed by recommended activities a student might take during that stage.

Program Start: Orientation
Early Program: Workshop 1, assisting rotations, epic training
Mid-Program: Workshop 2, begin Externships
Late Program: Workshop 3, specialty and fabrication
Program Completion: Course completion

Externships (90 Hours)

Students begin externships after completing Workshop 2. The Program Manager assigns clinic placements. Students contact clinic supervisors to schedule hours. Required rotations include Oral Surgery, Endodontics, Pediatrics, and Sterilization, with optional specialty rotations.

Externship Hours Tracking

Students must log externship hours on the provided sheet. Each shift must be at least 4 hours and signed off by a supervisor. Completed logs are submitted to instructors.

Program Completion

Students earn a Certificate of Program Completion after completing all modules, workshops, and externship hours. This certificate qualifies them to register for the General Chairside Assisting (GC) exam.

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. Follow the prompts and fill out each section.

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.
Fee

The standard fee is paid on your behalf by our office or programmed into class fee depending on program.
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. If you take any medications that may affect your results, let the Occupational Health Screening team know when you call to schedule your test.
Go to Your Appointment

Go to the lab you chose and give a urine sample. Please bring documentation for any current prescriptions that may affect your drug screen, such as pain medications, stimulants, or anti-anxiety medications. If applicable, please also bring your valid medical cannabis card.

Keep the receipt they give you.
Set Yourself Up for Success

Avoid drinking excessive fluids (including caffeine) 4-5 hours before your test. Too much liquid can result in a negative dilute, which is considered a failed test. A first morning sample is often best to avoid this issue.
Track Your Progress

Certiphi lets you check each step online. You can see when your sample is sent, tested, and when results are ready.
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.
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.

Please Note: If your test result is a failure (other than a negative dilute), or if you receive two negative dilutes in a row, you’ll be dropped from the program and may reapply after six months.

Social media

Contact information

Continuing Education at the University of Utah

Send feedback

Phone

Dental Assistant Training Program

Employment Trends and Data