Dental assistants play a crucial role in the office. They work alongside dentists and dental hygienists to support the patient care being provided. In addition, dental assistants help with office operations, including paperwork and administrative tasks. Dental assistants work with virtually every member of the team to keep things running smoothly.
Dental assisting can be a great job, and there are a few ways to go about schooling. Students can enroll at either a community college or a vocational/trade school. There are also online options that work best for students with busy schedules.
Whether you choose an online or an in-person program, you should feel confident knowing that you are heading into an in-demand career path. Let’s take a look at what online and classroom dental assisting programs entail.
Classroom vs. Online Dental Assistant Training
While both online and on-campus dental assisting programs will have many similarities, there are some crucial differences students will notice between the two.
Hands-On Training
To become a dental assistant, you must have hands-on experience in a clinical setting. Generally speaking, classes in person will involve a slightly more hands-on approach from the beginning of the program. Before graduation, students will be required to take their experience into a clinical setting, usually at a dentist office near the campus.
Online classes might involve online simulators or labs during learning hours. Although these virtual simulations are provided, students still need to participate in hands-on training in a clinical setting. Generally speaking, this on-site training will take place at a dental facility approved by your school.
Class Structure
A dental assisting program on campus will involve more interactive learning. These in-person classes may be preferable for students who learn better face-to-face. Since classrooms involve these hands-on activities on a more consistent basis, they are also great for students who feel they may benefit from the repetition of in-person practice.
An online dental assisting program will be a little less interactive than one on campus. However, if you are someone who performs best with a self-paced learning style, you may prefer this aspect of online classes. In place of any hands-on learning during class, you might train with virtual labs. Online classes also offer more flexibility to students with busy or irregular schedules.
Resources Available to You
In a classroom, students have direct access to physical resources like equipment and dental models. You will likely also have textbooks to reference during labs and class. Both classroom and online settings will have instructors; however, in a classroom, you may have more open access to instructors as questions arise.
In an online class, the resources available to students are mostly digital. You will likely still be involved in labs and simulations, but these are, of course, online. Your instructor may host office hours for specific student questions, or there may be time during class carved out for these questions. It is still likely that you will have textbooks to reference during labs and class, but you might have some online material available to you as well.
Cost
The cost for on-campus dental assisting programs and online programs varies. Generally speaking, online courses are more affordable for students, as they require reduced overhead costs.
So, which program is better?
The answer is simple – whichever program works best for your learning style, lifestyle, and budget. When choosing a school, be sure to research it before you enroll. Look at different student reviews, compare its programs with others, and make sure its programs are accredited.
Schools with On-Campus Dental Assisting Programs
Looking for a school near you? We’re partnered with excellent schools across the country that offer dental assisting programs. Here are just a few of them:
All-State Career School
With locations in Maryland and Pennsylvania, All-State Career School offers great dental assisting programs with an expanded functions dental assistant certification option for students.
If you’re interested in finding dental assisting programs along the East Coast, apply to All-State Career School today.
Carrington College
Located across many Western states, Carrington College provides choice dental assisting programs led by experienced instructors.
If you’re looking for dental assisting courses located throughout the West, apply to Carrington College today.
Institute of Medical and Business Careers
If you’re looking for a great Pittsburgh campus supported by caring instructors who will greet you by name, look no further than the Institute of Medical and Business Careers.
Connect with the Institute of Medical and Business Careers to take part in a great dental assisting program with an internship upon completion.
Where Can I Find Online Dental Assisting Programs?
Some of the schools we partner with do offer online or hybrid dental assisting programs. Keep in mind that these programs will involve some form of on-site clinical training at an approved facility.
The College of Health Care Professions
The College of Health Care Professions also offers online classes to create flexible options for busy students. Apply to The College of Health Care Professions to explore their online dental assisting programs.
UEI College
UEI’s online programs are available for California and Arizona students. These online schools are operated under UEI College Gardena’s Campus. UEI also offers hybrid programs which offer a specialized balance of online and classroom work. UEI’s hybrid programs involve an externship upon completion. Get connected with a UEI campus today.
How Long are Dental Assisting Programs?
If you’re enrolled at a community college getting your associate degree in dental assisting, your program will take approximately 2 years to complete. This can often include clinicals or labs, along with any necessary certification testing, such as taking the CDA. An associate degree will also include general education courses in addition to classes relevant to dentistry.
If you choose a certificate program at a trade, vocational, or online school, your schooling will generally take between 10 months to a year to complete. These programs typically do not involve any general education courses, making them a quicker training option.
Find Dental Assistant Training Today
Taking a significant part in improving patients’ lives and oral health, dental assistants have a highly satisfying career. Choosing between programs that are offered online or on campus comes down to choosing the format that is best for you.
Take the next step and find dental assistant training near you!
