Dental Assisting is one of the most rewarding jobs ever because you can help people with their dental health daily.
Dental assisting offers lucrative income and a great environment without requiring a college degree.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Dental Assisting ranks among the fastest-growing professions, projected to grow 11% from 2018 to 2028.
Its rising demand ensures job stability as many local dental offices need a skillful dental assistant.
If you’re ready to start a dental assisting career, check out our school’s list in Charlotte, NC, offering a dental assisting program.
1 Dental Staff Institute
Dental Staff Institute (DSI) offers comprehensive dental assistant classes.
It focuses on transmitting the foundational knowledge and the hands-on techniques required in the dental field.
The school aims to integrate students into a dental office post-graduation seamlessly.
It provides all class materials and incorporates the innovative Moodle online learning management system.
It has an intimate learning environment, capping the dental assistant course at twelve students ensuring abundant personal attention.
While many schools rely on generic, pre-packaged curriculums, DSI customized theirs.
Drawing inspiration from “Modern Dental Assisting” – a text trusted by many conventional educational institutions –tailoring its content to an accelerated pace without the unnecessary extras.
About The Dental Assisting Program
Dental Staff Institute provides experiential learning to all aspiring dental assistants.
After theoretical sessions, students engage in practical exercises, working in a genuine environment with the school’s partner dental practice.
Here are the customized courses offered by DSI:
Modern Dental Assisting Course:
- This program consists of 104 hours for clinical and didactic instructions and 12 hours of externship.
- Get a Dental Assistant (DAI) certificate, a Dental Radiography certificate, an OSHA certificate, a Nitrous Oxide Monitoring Certificate, and a CPR/AED card.
Coronal Polishing for the DA II:
- The program consists of didactic and clinical instructions for 4 hours each.
- Get certification for licensed DA Level IIs looking to enhance their skills.
Dental Radiography Challenge Exam & Certification:
- 7 hours didactic and 14 clinical hours instructions.
- Get North Carolina Dental Radiography certification upon successful completion.
Nitrous Oxide Analgesia Monitoring:
- The program consists of 4 hours of didactic and clinical instructions on nitrous oxide monitoring for DA Level I and IIs.
Advanced Laboratory Techniques:
- 2 hours of didactic and 6 hours of clinical instructions with prerequisites for completing MDA001 or prior DA Level II certification.
Address: 3320 Siskey Parkway Suite 100-A, Matthews, NC 28105
2 Charlotte Dental Assistant School
Charlotte Dental Assistant School is a proud member of the Zollege family, a leading healthcare career school.
The school has redesigned its 12-week dental assistant program to offer a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
It eliminates the usual concerns of student debt and extended education.
Students will graduate with a fresh start with the skills needed to embark on a rewarding dental career.
It offers affordable tuition and flexible payment options to ensure students will graduate without the burden of student loans.
Charlotte Dental Assistant School curriculum is designed and delivered by seasoned professionals passionate about their craft.
About The Dental Assisting Program
Charlotte Dental Assistant School offers a unique and student-focused program for dental assisting.
It’s a 12-week course that equips you with the confidence and expertise to thrive in the dental world.
Its innovative teaching model combines in-depth online homework resources, modules, and readings to consolidate your theoretical knowledge.
This pairs seamlessly with its weekend in-person labs at the school, where you perfect your hands-on technique under expert guidance.
It also provides 40 hours of real-life exposure through the externship program.
It helps students practice the essence of dental assisting under the mentorship of seasoned professionals.
On completing the program, you will earn the following certifications: BLS certification, Certificate of Completion to be a Dental Assistant I, and RDA license after passing the RDA exam.
Address: 10220 Prosperity Park Drive, Suite 100 Charlotte, NC 28269
3 Premier Dental Assisting Academy of Charlotte
Premier Dental Assisting Academy of Charlotte ( PDAA) offers comprehensive training with experienced educators and state-of-the-art facilities.
PDAA educators have over 100 years of combined dental experience, ensuring students train with the best in the dental field.
It provides hands-on training to equip students for real-world dental scenarios.
Students will also experience all facets of dentistry through its comprehensive curriculum with modern equipment in a convenient location.
The NC State Dental Board of Education and the NC Community College accredits PDAA, showcasing its commitment to delivering high-quality dental assisting education.
About The Dental Assisting Program
PDAA offers a hands-on training program in dental assisting that propels you into a promising future without the traditional lengthy education.
Once you’ve completed the program, you can enter a brighter career with skills that set you apart.
Dr. Hiren Patel personally crafts the curriculum and prioritizes practicality and relevance.
In just 14 weeks, you’re prepared to dive into the dental world, equipped with the essential skills without the fluff.
Students will train in the state-of-the-art facility – an active dental office.
You can engage in the daily dynamics of a dental practice, a valuable advantage for beginners.
Here are the advanced skills students will acquire upon completing the program:
- Analog and digital radiography.
- Mastery of the widely-used Dentrix dental software.
- Hands-on experience in various dental procedures, including endodontics, oral surgery, and single-visit crowns.
Address: 6708 Regal Oaks Dr, Charlotte, NC 28212
4 NC Dental U - Charlotte
NC Dental U is an educational institution offering various courses related to dental care.
It has many accessible locations across Charlotte, Jacksonville, Cary, Smithfield, Wake Forest, Fayetteville, Greenville, Goldsboro, and Wilson that are always within your reach.
NC Dental U offers dental specialties in various areas, such as Dental Assisting Nitrous and Coronal Polishing to Dental Receptionists.
It also offers specialized modules like SPICE and Anesthesia for the Dental Hygienist – NC Dental U covers all areas of dental expertise.
Tammy Hughes founded NC Dental U with 26 years in the dental field, bringing in her multifaceted expertise, having served as a DAII, Front Desk Receptionist, Manager, and Consultant.
She founded the institution passionately to ensure students become exceptional dental professionals.
Upon graduation, its dental program equips students with the practical knowledge and technical proficiency to thrive as a Dental Assistant I.
About The Dental Assisting Program
The NC Dental U Dental Assisting Program is a comprehensive program introducing students to dentistry and equips them with the fundamentals and advanced techniques needed in the dental assisting profession.
The program blends practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and hands-on experience to ensure a well-rounded education for all aspiring dental assistants.
Here are the advantages of enrolling in the program:
- Diverse Curriculum: Students will understand general dentistry fundamentals to specialized areas like Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, and Pediatric Dentistry.
- Hands-on Experience: Practical knowledge in X-rays using DIGITAL imaging equipment, including NOMAD technology, dental impressions, model trimming, sterilization procedures, and more.
- Holistic Skill Development: Beyond clinical skills, students will understand dental insurance, equipment maintenance, the use of computer software for efficient practice management, and overall employability strategies.
After completing the program, students will receive the following certificates:
- Course Completion Certificate from NC Dental U
- Nitrous Oxide Monitoring for Dental Assistants
- CPR for the Health Care Provider
- Infection Control / HIPAA Certification
- North Carolina Dental X-RAY Certification
- Medical Office Emergencies
Address: 3707 Latrobe Dr. Suite 420 Charlotte, North Carolina 28211
5 Dental Assisting Preparatory Academy
Dental Assisting Preparatory Academy (DAPA) is in the Steele Creek community of Charlotte, North Carolina.
It provides students with an enriched learning experience within the advanced establishment of Horizon Dental, a live dental practice.
The academy aspires to endow students with elite, industry-relevant skills.
DAPA prides itself on its genuine passion for student success; its seasoned professionals invest their vast experience to mold you into an industry-ready candidate.
DAPA’s programs are endorsed and licensed by the North Carolina Dental Board and North Carolina Community Colleges.
About The Dental Assisting Program
DAPA Dental Assisting Program offers an exceptional educational experience, equipping students to assist dentists efficiently and deliver patients the utmost care.
The program is cost-effective, with a tuition fee of $4,300, and is valuable.
It also offers an interest-free payment option, adding to its affordability to ensure a stress-free financial experience for its students.
The program runs for 13 weeks with accessible online lectures complemented by a user-friendly app.
It provides 4- hours of real-time clinical training weekly for hands-on experience and 40 hours of practical experience in operating dental clinics through an externship.
Here are the core skills and in-depth training students will acquire after completing the program:
- Mastery in Four-Handed Dentistry
- Efficient use of suction devices
- Alginate and PVS impression techniques
- Sterilization techniques
- HIPAA & OSHA regulations
- Exposure to varied dental procedures such as Composite Fillings, Crown and bridge, Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, and Endodontics.
- And more…
Upon completion, students will gain certificates in Dental Radiology, Dental Assistant I, and CPR.
Address: 14126 Rivergate Pkwy Ste 100, Charlotte, NC 28273, USA
6 D.A. Academy of North Carolina
D.A. Academy of NC is an educational institution molding the next generation of Dental Health Professionals.
It is dedicated to providing students with the best dental education to help them thrive in the dental field.
The academy’s team is well-trained, experienced in Oral Health, and passionate about teaching to ensure students learn from the best in the field.
Its seasoned faculty members, from Ms. Ruby Jones to Ms. Juana Rolffort, bring a combined experience of many decades to the classroom.
The academy offers a range of dental courses, from Dental Assisting I to Nitrous Oxide Monitoring, designed to provide students with a holistic education in dental assistance.
D.A. Academy of NC holds accreditations from the NC Community College Board and the NC Dental Board.
About The Dental Assisting Program
D.A. Academy of NC offers a comprehensive Dental Assisting Program in 12 weeks with theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
The program equips students to be efficient in assisting the dentist and assisting patient’s oral health care.
Here are the core skills students will acquire after completing the program:
- Prepping patients for treatments or procedures.
- Sterilizing and organizing dental tools.
- Assisting the dentist with instruments during treatments.
- Educating patients about proper oral hygiene.
- X-ray processing and conducting lab tasks as directed by a dentist.
- Maintaining and filing dental treatment records.
- Handling patient appointment scheduling.
- Overseeing patient billing and payment processes.
Upon completion, graduates will receive the following certificates:
- Completion Certificate in Dental Assisting I
- Sterilization & Infection Control
- Office Emergencies
- NC Dental Radiology
- CPR
- Coronal Polishing
- Nitrous Oxide Monitoring
You may contact them through their website or visit the academy onsite to get more information about each program offered.
Address: 1001 East W.T. Harris Blvd Charlotte, NC 28213
7 ASAP Dental Assistant Program
ASAP Dental Assistant Program is one of Charlotte’s premier destinations for comprehensive dental assistant training.
The school’s commitment lies in equipping its students with an exceptional educational experience, setting them on a path to a fruitful dental career.
Its stellar team consists of dedicated full-time certified dental hygienists and dental assistants.
They bring profound insights from various dental specialties to the table, ensuring they don’t just teach but mentor their students to get the best education as much as possible.
The licenses from the NC Community College Board and the NC Dental Board validate its dedication to excellence.
It stands as a testimony to the rigorous standards it maintains and the high quality of education it provides.
About The Dental Assisting Program
ASAP offers a comprehensive Dental Assisting program that blends lectures and hands-on clinical techniques.
The school understands the importance of on-the-ground training, ensuring that by the end of the program, students are not just theoretically sound but also confident in practical applications.
The program runs for 12 weeks with a flexible schedule every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and has various payment plan options that won’t break the bank.
The program costs $4,600 with $200 non-refundable deposit fees; if paid upfront, you will also have a $200 discount.
Upon completion, you will receive the following certificates to boost your credentials such as:
- CE Coronal Polishing
- CE Dental Radiology for the DA
- CE RAD Challenge Exam
- CE Nitrous Oxide Monitoring
- NC Dental X-Ray
- CPR for Healthcare Providers
- Medical Office Emergencies Certificate
Its commitment continues after post-training.
The school also assists in resume-building and interview preparation and links you with prospective employers.
To qualify for the program, you only need a valid government ID’s and high school diploma or GED.
Address: 2607 E 7th Street Suite 102 Charlotte NC, 28204
8 Central Piedmont Community College
Central Piedmont Community College is in the vibrant city of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Its story began in 1963, merging the Central Industrial Education Center and Mecklenburg College.
Since its inception, the college has grown from a small institution to one of the largest colleges in the Carolinas.
It annually enrolls approximately 56,000 students in credit programs.
Over the years, it expanded to six campuses and two centers, offering nearly 300 degree, diploma, and certificate programs.
It offers associate degrees across various programs with a semester-based academic calendar and an encouraging student-faculty ratio of 19-to-1.
Central Piedmont Community College proudly holds accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), enabling them to award associate degrees.
About The Dental Assisting Program
Central Piedmont Dental Assisting Program provides a well-rounded education to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the dental field.
Its one-year diploma program is tailored to prepare you to work seamlessly as part of a dental office team.
It also offers a two-year Dental Hygiene program leading to an associate degree, catering to those aspiring to work more independently.
The program equips students with knowledge in infection control, equipment operation, patient management, and more.
Here are the skills you will acquire in the program:
- Collect diagnostic data, including medical histories and vital signs.
- Perform supportive treatments, like four-handed chair-side assisting and dental materials manipulation.
- Handle business office procedures proficiently.
- Make ethical decisions while adhering to professional standards.
- Collaborate efficiently with patients and coworkers, utilizing superior communication and interpersonal skills.
Successful graduates are eligible for the Dental Assisting National Board Examination and certifications.
Address: 1201 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204, USA
Schools Summary Table
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dental Assistant