9 Best Dental Assistant Schools in Nashville, TN

Remington College is a non-profit institution and a non-traditional education committed to transforming lives and opening new avenues of opportunity.

As a non-profit institution, its mission extends beyond individual success.

The college commits to addressing the evolving needs of its student community, enhancing diploma and degree programs, increasing faculty accessibility, and strengthening its support for local communities.

It stands apart from online bachelor’s degrees, providing a flexible and supportive academic environment.

The school’s philosophy emphasizes hands-on learning, recognizing the power of experience over traditional lectures.

Seasoned professionals from relevant industries constitute the faculty, enriching student education with practical insights and real-world knowledge.

The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) accredits Remington College, and the U.S. Department of Education recognizes this accreditation.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Remington College’s Dental Assisting Diploma Program is an eight-month comprehensive training program.

It trains both invasive and non-invasive dental procedures, preparing students for a rewarding career in dental healthcare.

The program is in a hybrid format, combining online academic programs with hands-on learning in actual dental practice.

It also emphasizes hands-on learning, ensuring that students gain practical experience in an actual dental environment.

This approach allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in realistic scenarios, preparing them for the profession’s challenges.

Students will learn the following:

• Invasive Procedures: Placing retraction cords and dental dams and assisting in various dental surgeries and procedures
• Non-Invasive Procedures: Patient education on oral healthcare, taking dental impressions, and identifying verbal disease indications.
• Operatory Preparation: Setting up operatories for dental patient treatment.

South College is a non-residential campus in multiple locations founded in 1882, offering hands-on and relevant education.

Its campuses are in Pittsburgh, Knoxville, Nashville, Indianapolis, Asheville, Atlanta, and Orlando, and it provides diverse programs at all levels.

It was formerly Nashville Business College in Knoxville in 1882, then was renamed Knoxville Business College and later South College.

The institution’s steadfast commitment to excellence prioritizes delivering quality undergraduate and graduate education.

Its focus extends beyond academics, enriching a diverse student body’s intellectual, social, and professional development. The career-focused curricula are aligned with current workforce trends, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the professional world.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredits South College to award degrees at the doctorate, educational specialist, master’s, baccalaureate, and associate levels.

About The Dental Assisting Program

South College’s Nashville campus Dental Assisting program is a certificate program offering a comprehensive curriculum for 9 months.

The program prepares students for a fulfilling career, emphasizing communication, problem-solving, and compassion.

The school’s commitment to quality extends to small class sizes, ensuring personalized attention to enrich an engaging learning environment.

Students can benefit from experienced faculty who bring real-world examples to the classroom, improving their understanding of dental practices.

Here are the following skills students will learn throughout the program:

• Prevention and Nutrition
• Basic Dental Sciences
• Preclinical Dental Skills
• Clinical Dental Procedures
• Dental Radiography
• Dental Specialties
• Restorative and Laboratory Materials and Techniques
• Dental Practice Management

Upon completion, students are eligible for the Dental Assisting National Board Examination.

Students will also acquire state certification in radiology, coronal polishing, nitrous oxide monitoring, and sealant application.

Volunteer State Community College is a public institution that provides quality and innovative educational programs, support, and services.

The school is committed to enriching partnerships and enhancing community engagement internally and externally.

It aims to promote diversity, economic development, and cultural awareness.

The college prepares students for successful careers, facilitates university transfers, and encourages meaningful civic participation in a global society.

Vol State operates across multiple campuses, each designed to cater to the diverse needs of its student body.

The main campus in Gallatin, Tennessee, situated 30 miles northeast of Nashville, is the hub of academic activity.

It has a diverse student body of 11,761 individuals pursuing their educational goals across 100 different areas of study.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Volunteer State Community College offers a comprehensive Dental Assisting Program for health sciences students.

The program, structured under the A.S. in Health Sciences curriculum, provides a 12-month technical certificate focusing on dental assisting.

It has classroom and clinical instruction, equipping students with the necessary skills for the field and eligibility for national and state examinations.

The program prioritizes safety by following Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations related to bloodborne pathogens.

Students must meet immunization standards or complete a refusal document to participate in clinical rotations.

The one-year certificate program encompasses classes in dental science, dental x-rays, office management, materials and labor procedures, and patient care for individuals with serious health problems.

It also integrates lectures with lab hours.

The clinical training occurs on campus and in collaboration with dental practitioners throughout Middle Tennessee.

Graduates of the program gain nearly 400 hours of valuable clinical work experience.

Admission to the program is competitive, with only 24 students annually.

Students must undergo a rigorous selection process involving essay writing, observation of a Dental Assistant at work, and an interview.

Submission of high school transcripts or G.E.D. scores, ACT scores, or completion of the college placement exam is required.

The Accelerated Dental Assisting Program of Tennessee (ADAPT) is an educational institution offering a unique and efficient 10-week program.

Experienced professionals lead the school, including Dr. Bo Ding, DMD, the owner, and clinical instructors Ashley Fingers, RDA, and Nicole Luby, RDA.

It also offers financial assistance through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Interested individuals can contact the American Job Center at 615-253-8920 for WIOA grant assistance.

The Board of Dentistry approves the school’s program.

About The Dental Assisting Program

ADAPT’s Dental Assisting program covers essential aspects of dentistry, providing students with a comprehensive skill set for a successful dental career.

It offers flexibility with four sessions throughout the year, each consisting of 10 Saturdays from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Students can benefit from learning in a dental office equipped with the latest technology.

The program emphasizes hands-on training in various aspects of dentistry, including endodontics, crown & bridge, fillings, impressions, oral surgery, radiology, and periodontics.

The total program cost is $ 4,200, including all necessary materials, supplies, books, and equipment usage, with no hidden charges.

Upon successful completion, students receive a Registered Dental Assistant Certificate and a Radiology and Safety Certificate.

Students can also acquire an RDA number for the State of Tennessee, all approved by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry.

Competitive Edge Dental Assisting Academy, LLC is a premier postsecondary educational institution authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.

The school is led by Dr. James Walmsley, DDS, a seasoned professional with over 24 years in General Dentistry who excels in cutting-edge technology, specializing in dental implants and Cosmetic Dentistry.

Also, seasoned professionals like Jessica S., RDH, MBA, a Registered Dental Hygienist with entrepreneurial skills managing her own business, contributing a wealth of experience to dentistry and more.

It offers an 8-week Dental Assistant training program that covers essential aspects such as what a Dental Assistant does and personality traits suited for success.

The school also provides cutting-edge dental technology, including digital X-rays, a 3D CT scanner, computer-assisted anesthesia, and digital scanning, ensuring students are familiar with the latest tools and techniques.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Competitive Edge Dental Assisting Academy offers an accelerated eight-week dental assistant program, considered full-time.

The program integrates lectures and hands-on clinical learning. It covers dental anatomy, CPR, OSHA, HIPAA, procedural setup, microbiology, infection control, and more.

It equips students with the knowledge and skills to stand out in the job market.

Here are the skills students will acquire in the program:

• Assist the patient in taking a comprehensive health history and ensure their comfort throughout dental procedures.
• Arrange and organize the workspace for various dental tasks.
• Provide the dentist with instruments during operations, maintaining a dry mouth environment.
• Perform cleanup activities and sterilize instruments.
• Assist in documenting procedures, which may involve X-rays and intraoral images, and potentially aid in note-taking.
• Engage in the fabrication of temporary crowns and laboratory work as needed.

To graduate, students must complete 32 hours of externship in a dental setting, choosing various specialties like oral surgery, periodontics, pedodontics, endodontics, and orthodontics.

Attendance, professionalism, and maintaining an 80% or higher GPA are essential for graduation.

Upon meeting requirements and graduating, students can register with Tennessee to become Registered Dental Assistants (RDA).

Cumberland Academy of Dental Assisting (CADA) is owned and operated by Cumberland Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics.

The academy provides a supportive and immersive learning environment.

It provides students access to extensive resources and exposure to various specialties, including orthodontics and pediatric dentistry.

The clinical team at CADA comprises experienced professionals, including general dentists, pediatric specialists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, hygienists, and registered dental assistants.

It boasts state-of-the-art facilities with modern technology, such as digital X-rays, 3-D scanners, and inter-oral cameras.

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission authorizes CADA as a postsecondary educational institution.

About The Dental Assisting Program

CADA’s Dental Assisting program prepares students for a career in dentistry as dental assistants and offers Tennessee board certification.

The program trains students to become proficient dental assistants through its comprehensive course.

It covers dental terminology, OSHA requirements, basic setups, armamentarium, team collaboration, radiography, patient comfort, and service excellence.

The four-week hybrid program includes in-person sessions every Tuesday (2 pm – 5 pm), Wednesday (9:00 am – 5:00 pm, 1-hour lunch), every Friday (9:00 am – 5:00 pm, 1-hour lunch), and one Saturday (8:00 am – 1:00 pm, 30-minute snack break).

While the online portion can be done at your convenience, covering 8-10 chapters weekly.

The program’s hours are 148, including 14 hours in radiology per Tennessee Board of Dentistry requirements.

The total cost of the program is $3999, covering scrubs, clinical jackets, books, and CPR with additional fees for state application and background checks.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Nashville (TCAT Nashville) was established in 1940 at Hume-Fogg Vocational-Technical School.

It trained workers, particularly women, for defense plants during World War II.

Over the years, the institution underwent several name changes, evolving into the present TCAT Nashville.

The school adapted and expanded its offerings from vocational-technical education to state-area vocational-technical schools and, eventually, to technology centers in response to the changing educational landscape.

The college continued to grow, introducing new programs and facilities to meet the demands of various industries.

TCAT Nashville is part of the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) system and aligns its activities with the state’s broader goals of higher education.

About The Dental Assisting Program

TCAT Nashville’s Dental Assisting Program is a comprehensive course designed to prepare students for roles in dental health care.

The program provides students with practical experience in a dental setting and theoretical knowledge.

It is a full-time diploma class spanning 8 months with 1296 class hours.

Classes are on Monday to Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Clinical experience begins in the 3rd trimester, with hours varying based on the assigned clinical site.

Clinical hours are mandatory for program completion.

Students can refer to the school website expense sheet for detailed information on the costs associated with the program.

For more details regarding the program’s coverage, call (615) 425-5551 or email the instructor at Lexy.Baker@tcatnashville.edu.

Dr. Kellye N. Rice founded the Dental Assistant School of Nashville, a native of Huntsville, Alabama.

She founded the school with a warm and personal approach and was very dedicated to helping individuals expand their career opportunities in dental assisting.

She is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Dr. Rice stays updated on the latest techniques and technology in dental care, ensuring the best possible service.

Besides her professional commitments, she actively serves on Morning Star Sanctuary and the Franklin Suzuki Academy boards, contributing to the community.

The Dental Assistant School of Nashville is authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission to operate as a post-secondary educational institution.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Dental Assistant School of Nashville’s Dental Assisting Program is a perfect opportunity for those considering a new career path.

It has small classes offering individual attention to ensure graduates can secure jobs right after graduation.

The program includes 78 hours of lecture and lab sessions and a 50-hour dental assistant internship with a practicing dentist.

Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) number for the State of Tennessee, along with certificates approved by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry in Radiology and Safety.

Email or call (615) 988-8484 to inquire about session dates and get more information about dental assisting classes, the school, and internship opportunities.

Dental Staff School of Tennessee (DSSTN) is an educational institution offering a Dental Assisting program.

It is operated and owned by Gregg and Tricia Stanley, who bring over 50 years of combined experience in the dental field.

As dental practitioners and educators, they are shaping the next generation of dental assistants.

Their passion for dentistry is reflected in the state-of-the-art educational facility, featuring five fully functional operatories.

DSSTN commits to educating willing students, focusing on each individual rather than the masses.

Its vision is to witness every student succeed by instilling knowledge, passion, confidence, and skills that set them apart.

The TN Board of Dentistry approves DSSTN.

Additionally, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission accredits its program.

About The Dental Assisting Program

DSSTN’s Dental Assisting program includes Radiology, paving the way for students to have a successful future in the dental field.

The program is a 10-week course with an inclusion of CPR certification. It’s an extensive curriculum that equips students with the required skills as dental assistants.

Here are the class components breakdown:

• Contact Hours: 189 hours, including an 8-hour orientation/CPR certification, including radiology.
• In-Person Clinic: 93.5 hours weekly, one day a week from 8 am to 5 pm.
• Synchronous Zoom Lectures: 27.5 hours on Monday or Thursday evenings from 6 pm to approximately 8:45 pm.
• Mandatory Shadowing: It allocates 20 hours at dental offices (Students are responsible for securing shadowing opportunities).
• Directed E-learning: It consists of 48 hours throughout the 10 weeks, including online coursework, homework assignments, videos, and exercises.

Upon completing the program, students will learn the following skills:

• Sterilizing and disinfecting instruments and equipment.
• Setting up trays for dental procedures.
• Assisting your dentist in 4-handed dentistry.
• Offering postoperative instructions.
• Instructing patients in oral health care.
• Preparing materials for impressions and restorations.
• Taking Alginate Impressions and creating temporary crowns.
• Performing Digital X-rays.
• Capturing radiographs.

To enroll in the program, the students must be 18 and have a high school diploma or GED.