Dental Assistant Training Program
Coming Fall of 2025!
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.
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.
Program Overview
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.
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.
Program Cost: $2,990
(Includes $2,925 tuition + $65 non-refundable special fee)
This program is not eligible for employee tuition reduction.
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.
- 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.
- 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).
- Participate in three 8-hour, hands-on skills workshops held during daytime hours in the SIM Lab, Tech Labs, and clinical spaces at the University of Utah School of Dentistry. Optional open lab dates are also available for extra practice and review.
- 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)
- Submit documentation of required immunizations: MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, and baseline TB testing
- Obtain and maintain current CPR certification prior to starting the program
Contact Us
Professional Education at the University of Utah
Phone: 801-585-1780
E-mail: proedhealth@utah.edu
Online Contact Form