7 Best Dental Assistant Schools in Chicago, IL

The Dental Assistant Academy Of Chicago (DAOC) is an educational institution that helps bridge a rewarding career in the dental and dermatology sector.

It offers courses tailored to real-world applications and ensures that students aren’t just learning but preparing for a thriving career.

Whether you aspire to be a Chairside Dental Assistant, delve into Dental Administration, or take on the role of a Dermatology Clinical Assistant, DAOC’s tailored programs are meticulously crafted to turn aspirations into professions.

The Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) accredits DAOC.

Moreover, the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) Division of Private and Vocational Schools approved them.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Dental Assistant Academy Of Chicago (DAOC) offers four inclusive courses that reflect real-world applications.

These four courses ensure students will acquire the skills needed in the industry.

Here are the four-course highlights:

Chairside Dental Assistant Program

The program runs for 12 weeks with flexible classes, clinical hours, and modern facilities.

It has two expansive classrooms and a comprehensive dental facility designed to educate students to ensure students are well-equipped with hands-on skills essential for dental practices.

Dermatology Clinical Assistant Program

The program runs for 14 weeks with flexible class hours.

Students are introduced to essential dermatology terms, patient reception techniques, vital sign recording, and more.

Administrative Dental Assistant Program

The program runs for ten weeks, with flexible schedules, small class sizes, and on-site clinical externship hours.

This program tackles patient services, dental office management, and dental insurance.

Students gain proficiency in dental software like Dentrix, Open Dental, and Eagle Soft and understand the nuances of front desk operations.

Continuing Education Courses

Under this course, students can opt to broaden their knowledge in areas such as:

• 16-Hour Coronal Scaling Bridge Course
• Anesthesia Sedation Monitoring Course
• Coronal Polishing Course
• Coronal Scaling Course
• CPR Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers
• Infection Control Course
• Orthodontist Assistant Basics
• OSHA Compliance Training for Dental Professionals
• Pitt and Fissure Sealant Placement Course
• And more…

Chicago Dental Assistant School is a member of Zollege, a premier healthcare career institution.

It was established to offer an affordable and high-quality education.

Its mission is to nurture confident Dental Assistants who can seamlessly integrate into the workforce without debt or prolonged academic commitments.

Its affordable tuition and flexible payment plans guarantee students step out debt-free.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Chicago Dental Assistant School offers a 12-week blend of online resources and hands-on training.

Complete modules and readings at your convenience and apply your knowledge in real-time with weekend in-office sessions guided by expert instructors.

It also has a 40-hour externship program, starting after the third class, allowing you into real-world scenarios under the mentorship of seasoned dental professionals.

Upon Graduation: Chicago Dental Assistant School, regulated by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, ensures you graduate with recognized credentials.

You will earn the following certificates:

• BLS Certified through the American Heart Association.
• Dental Assistant School Certificate.
• Fully equipped to perform radiographs.

To enroll in the program, you must submit Proof of high school completion, U.S. citizenship, and A government-issued photo ID for your age verification.

Illinois Health Career is an educational institution that helps elevate students’ journey toward their professional aspirations.

It was established by Dr. Yaroslav Yarmolyuk and his dedicated team in 2015.

He noticed the increasing demand for trained orthodontic assistance as their practice expanded across Chicago, leading to Illinois Health Career’s founding.

It is to support the local dental professionals and further his passion for education.

Illinois Health Career offers diverse programs such as Orthodontic Technician, Phlebotomy, Medical Office Administrative Assistant, Medical Billing and Coding Specialist, Clinical Medical Assistant, and Dental Assistant.

Its mission is to develop professionalism, encourage personal growth, deliver real-world exposure, and strive to shape industry-ready professionals.

Through cutting-edge technology, it focuses on expanding human potential and crafting a positive footprint in the communities we engage with.

The National Health Association, IBHE, Illinois WorkNet Center, ATI Testing, and the American Association of Medical Assistants accredit the school.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Illinois Health Career’s Dental Assistant Program is a 10-week intensive program to help students thrive in the dental field.

Its curriculum includes 20 modules (2.5 hours each) and equips you with the essential practical and theoretical know-how for seamless integration into the dental workspace.

It has a flexible schedule to accommodate students’ schedules by providing training twice a week during the evenings.

The program tuition is affordable at $3,500 and offers a 5% discount if you pay upfront and 12% if you’re a military veteran or on active duty.

The program covers the following:

• Dental Radiography.
• Dental Anatomy.
• Dental Administrative work knowledge.
• Dental Clinical components
• And more…

Midwestern Career College is an educational institution that helps transform lives by diligently preparing students for exceptional career success.

Its dedication is steadfast by providing premier, career-focused education, equipping students with essential academic training.

It also equips students with technical expertise and extensive expert support for a successful career.

Midwestern Career College offers hands-on training to create pragmatic knowledge and boosts student confidence.

Its curriculums are up-to-date to align with the prerequisites of our credentialing agency.

The Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) recognizes the school.

Also, the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE) accredits Midwestern Career College.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Midwestern Career College Dental Assisting Program is designed to pave your way into dentistry.

The program runs for 14 months to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and experience to become a prominent Dental Assistant.

Its curriculum blends online and on-campus experiences for a comprehensive learning journey.

Here are the skills students will acquire after completing the program:

• Chairside assisting.
• Medical record-keeping and office administration.
• Dental radiography.
• Patient and equipment preparation for dental procedures.
• Equipment maintenance and sterilization.
• Six-credit hour externship to offer practical exposure.
• Tooth and mouth impression-making.

Once you complete the program, you will be ready to pursue the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification.

The UIC College of Dentistry aims to “Better Oral Health through Transformative Innovation.”

It is part of the U.I. Health and University of Illinois Chicago, one of the largest universities, stands among the nation’s leading public research universities.

It delivers exceptional oral health education supported by cutting-edge clinical care and research.

UIC College’s foundation lies in evidence-based practices, patient-centric care, and preventive public health sciences.

It’s a hub of academic excellence, providing plenty of programs from Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) to advanced dental specialty programs.

UIC is also recognized as a level-1 research institution.

The College boasts a research portfolio with 42 full-time research faculty, securing $6.4M in NIH/DOD funding and generating 280+ faculty-published papers.

About The Dental Assisting Program

UIC College of Dentistry offers the Dental Assistant Pathway Program (DAPP) in collaboration with Otho S.A. Sprague Memorial Institute.

The program provides a structured pathway to explore the oral health sector for individuals who want to be qualified dental assistants.

A three-year grant from the Otho S.A. Sprague Memorial Institute backs it, dedicated to alleviating human suffering through medical advancements.

The program covers the following topics:

• Dental Terminology & General Dental Assisting.
• In-depth study of Anatomy, Morphology, and Physiology.
• Comprehensive understanding of Infection Control, OSHA guidelines, and sterilization.
• Hands-on training in Radiology & Radiation Health and Safety.
• Practical exposure to creating dental impressions and models.
• Insight into dental ethics and jurisprudence.
• Specialized rotations in sterilization, radiology, restorative dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, pediatrics, implant dentistry, and orthodontics.

Upon completing DAPP, you will receive the following:

• UIC College of Dentistry Certificate of Completion.
• Eligibility for the Dental Assisting National Board National Entry.
• Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification exam.

The University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health) is a medical research, a hospital, and educational institution.

It is linked to the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) health science colleges.

It includes the College of Applied Health Sciences, the College of Dentistry, the School of Public Health, the Jane Addams College of Social Work, and the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing.

UI Health, formerly a College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1881, became the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1913, UIC Hospital in 1980, and UI Health.

Its mission is to achieve health equity.

Every patient, regardless of their circumstances or background, deserves quality care.

UI Health believes in advancing health through a harmonious blend of clinical care, research, education, and a commitment to societal responsibility.

About The Dental Assisting Program

UI Health offers a Dental Assistant Certification Program structured to equip students with the essential skills to thrive in diverse public health settings.

The program trains students in dental services – from pediatric care and oral surgery to managing medically complex cases and prosthetic services.

Trainees will hone their skills using avant-garde technology, including digital imaging and electronic records.

The program runs for 12 weeks with once-a-week classes.

Here are the program structures:

• 32 hours of Lecture, available online.
• 70 hours of Lab sessions, conducted during evenings or weekends.
• 40 hours of hands-on Externship during regular clinic hours.
• 8 hours dedicated to Coronal Polishing and Sealant Certification.

Upon completion, you will have a certificate to certify you for an entry-level role as a dental assistant.

In 1867, Chicago State University (CSU) began as a Teacher Training School.

The institution underwent various renamings, from the Cook County Normal School to Chicago Normal School, Chicago Teachers College, and finally, Chicago State University for over 150 years.

Originally, CSU primarily served a white demographic from Chicago’s north side.

Over time, CSU evolved into an inclusive institution, offering opportunities to diverse ethnicities.

By the 1920s, CSU was the premier university in Chicago, accepting African-American students unconditionally.

Its mission is to nurture diverse populations into informed, ethically-aware individuals who exhibit leadership, creativity, and citizenship.

It commits to providing premier educational services and preparing professionals in various fields.

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), established in 1895 and acclaimed by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation, recognizes and accredits CSU.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Chicago State University offers various degrees and programs, including Dental Assisting.

It’s an online certification course that prepares students for foundational roles in one of the rapidly booming healthcare professions of dental assisting.

The program runs for 4-6 months with many subjects.

It includes the history of dentistry, introduction to the dental office, dental operatory, legal facets of dentistry, oral anatomy, tooth structures, and more.

It also has an optional externship for students to gain valuable hands-on experience.

Here are the skills students will acquire after completing the program:

• Gather and assess patient health data accurately.
• Understand foundational concepts and procedures of clinical dentistry.
• Recognize the role and implications of radiology in dentistry.
• Identify, use, and maintain primary dental instruments, materials, and equipment.
• Assist in various dental procedures and understand diverse types of dentistry.
• Showcase core administrative and communicative skills imperative for dental assistants.
• Understand the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of dentistry.
• Be proficient at infection control, safety protocols, and emergency procedures in a dental setup.
• Understand pediatric and orthodontic practices and their respective tools.

Upon completion, students will prepare for:

• DANB RHS: Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Radiation Health and Safety (RHS)
• NWCA DACC: National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Dental Assistant Clinical Certification (DACC)

After passing, students will earn certificates.