9 Best Dental Assistant Schools in Philadelphia, PA

Community College of Philadelphia is a premier open-admission, associate-degree-granting institution since 1965, opening doors to education and success.

With diverse programs, a commitment to integrity, enriching diversity, and academic excellence, it prepares students for further education, careers, and civic engagement.

The school’s mission is to serve as a dynamic, accessible, affordable hub for personal and intellectual development.

It provides a comprehensive foundation in career technologies, basic academic skills, and liberal arts and sciences.

Over the years, the school has played a vital role in the education and advancement of Philadelphia’s workforce and residents, impacting industries in the city.

It contributes to social and economic development by preparing students for the workforce and providing them with the resources to explore new career paths.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Community College of Philadelphia’s Dental Assisting program comprehensive curriculum costs $2,999 with flexible payment options.

It equips students with the essential skills for an entry-level position in the rapidly growing healthcare field.

Students can gain proficiency in dental anatomy, infection control, radiology, and more through pre-clinical dental assisting, lecture sessions, and hands-on laboratory experience.

This noncredit certificate program prepares you for the dynamic role of a dental assistant and three exams from the National Entry Level Dental Assistant Certification and the Dental Assisting National Board Exams (DANB).

It includes the Radiation Health and Safety Examination (RHS), Infection Control (ICE), and Anatomy, Morphology, and Physiology (AMP) – integral components of the NELDA certification.

Upon completion, students are eligible for three college credits applicable toward specific credit-bearing degree programs.

Students can also benefit from the school’s supportive learning environment.

They can gain real-world insights during an internship, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge professionally.

Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry promotes health and wellness through cutting-edge education, research, and community service.

Its mission is to provide general and specialty dentists with a comprehensive and diverse education.

Through inter-professional collaboration, it aims to deliver compassionate, evidence-based oral healthcare that is patient-centered and outcome-driven.

Founded in 1863, the Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry is the second-oldest dental school in the U.S., boasting a rich legacy of innovation in dental education, research, and healthcare services.

As it celebrates its 160th Anniversary in 2023, it continues to redefine oral healthcare globally.

With over 7,000 alums shaping the field, Kornberg remains a pioneer in transforming oral healthcare in the 21st century.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry’s Dental Assisting Program collaborates with Harcum College.

It provides a unique opportunity to study and work simultaneously in the comprehensive care clinics at Temple Dental.

The program holds accreditation, ensuring you receive education and training of the highest standards.

It delivers quality didactic and preclinical education, setting the foundation for your success in the field.

You will gain theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills to excel in clinical settings and apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios, working alongside experienced professionals.

The school understands the dedication required to pursue a career in dental assisting.

The school offers stipends for extra work beyond your training hours to appreciate your commitment to pursuing a Dental assistant career.

It recognizes your effort and eases the financial burden of your educational journey.

For more details regarding the program, you may contact them via the website, call 610-526-6105, or visit their onsite location.

Shark Dental Academy offers the fastest way to become a dental assistant.

It’s a hands-on dental assistant school where student’s journey to a new career in dentistry begins.

The academy offers a unique curriculum focused on the practical skills of dental assisting.

In just 14 weeks, students will acquire the technical skills required for the job, setting them on the fastest path to earning a diploma in dental assisting.

It provides a hands-on approach in an actual dental office to ensure students are well-prepared for real-world scenarios in their dental assisting career.

The school hires the most skilled and seasoned instructors, all distinguished dental assistants or professionals.

Its commitment extends beyond graduation with a dedicated career services team aiding students in their job search.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Shark Dental Academy’s Dental Assisting program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the rapidly growing field of dental assisting.

The program spans 14 weeks, and classes are conducted four times weekly from Monday to Friday except for Wednesday.

Two sessions are available – a morning session from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and an evening session from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

It also has a Saturday session from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, which provides further flexibility for individuals with different availability.

The curriculum covers the following topics:

• Introduction to Dental Profession/Orientation
• Dental Anatomy and Physiology
• Infection Control/Sterilization
• Dental Radiography
• Dental Materials and Laboratory 1 & 2
• Clinical Dental Procedures 1 & 2
• Treatment Planning and Oral Diagnosis
• Chairside Assisting 1 & 2
• Medical Emergencies/Preparation for Employment
• Externship

Upon completing the program, the next step is to obtain licensure from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), which is required in 39 states.

The program prepares you for the DANB licensure exam, a multiple-choice test assessing your knowledge of radiation and sterilization safety in a dental office.

Smile Systems School of Dental Assisting empowers individuals interested in pursuing a rewarding and fulfilling career in Dental Assisting.

It aims to provide an excellent educational experience through the latest training in digital scanning, dental software systems, and intra-oral photography.

The school introduces hands-on training with a 13-week course with externship opportunities within 14 locations.

It has passionate and experienced instructors who prepare students for the Radiation, Health, and Safety certification test.

Over the past five years, the school has produced RHS passers upon completing its program.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Smile Systems’s Dental Assisting program is a comprehensive curriculum for 13 weeks.

It equips students with the knowledge and skills to thrive in dental health care.

The 13-week program comprises 195 hours of intensive lecture and lab training, focusing on chairside skills perfected in an actual dental office setting.

It includes two days per week of engaging lectures and labs, providing students with a solid foundation.

Here are some of the courses highlighted in the program:

• Dental Sciences, Anatomy, and Terminology
• Dental Radiology
• Dental Chairside Assisting
• Dental Impressions and Lab Procedures
• Office Emergencies and CPR
• Customer Service & Patient Psychology

Upon completing the program, students will gain valuable skills such as:

• Fluid and debris removal techniques from any mouth
• Manual and digital X-ray procedures
• How to use dental chairs, lights, and clinical equipment
• Assisting dentists with various dental procedures
• Patient management in a dental office
• Dental impression techniques
• Mixing dental materials
• Infection control procedures

As a bonus, students will gain valuable hands-on experience with a 50-hour dental assistant externship under the guidance of a practicing dentist.

OceanPointe Dental Academy offers a dental assisting program without the burden of student debt or lengthy schooling.

The academy provides an accelerated 12-week practical and hands-on education program, making it a gateway for individuals looking for a rewarding career.

Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, a professional seeking a career change, a young parent, or anyone looking for a new direction, OceanPointe welcomes you.

OceanPointe Dental Academy’s proven curriculum and passionate instructors ensure students receive a top-notch education.

The Department of Workforce Development and the Office of Career and Technical Schools regulates the academy.

About The Dental Assisting Program

OceanPointe Dental Academy’s Dental Assisting program offers a unique hands-on experience with practicing dental professionals in real dental offices for 12 weeks.

The program blends live lectures and hands-on lab skills.

Every Saturday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, students will engage in an actual dental office environment, perfecting their dental assisting skills under the guidance of experienced instructors.

The training covers various topics including:

• Introduction to Dental Assisting
• Radiology Theory and Practice
• Types of Cement and Liners
• Model Pouring and Trimming
• Dental Impressions
• Crown and Bridge Instruments
• Dental Materials
• Office Management
• Treatment Techniques
• Gain expertise in sterilization procedures and more.

Students will also engage in 20 hours per week of clinical experience, including chair-side assisting, radiographic techniques, and specialty procedure assistance.

The all-inclusive cost of the program is $3,784, with flexible payment plans for added convenience.

Established in 1947 in suburban Montgomery County, Manor College offers personalized education, enriching individual growth and academic excellence.

Founded by the Byzantine Ukrainian Sisters of Saint Basil the Great as St. Macrina’s, the institution evolved into Manor Junior College in 1959, gaining its charter in 1964.

The college’s educational journey preserves spiritual and ethnic heritage closely linked to the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Eastern tradition.

It envisions a dynamic global society to inspire and empower diverse communities through transformational education, providing experience-driven and career-focused learning that prepares individuals for a purpose-filled life.

Today, Manor College has expanded its academic offerings, including associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, while continuing to provide workforce certificates for adult learners.

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), located at 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, accredits the school.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Manor College’s Expanded Functions Dental Assisting course is a 200-hour evening Expanded Functions Dental Assisting (EFDA).

This program runs for three semesters for Registered Dental Hygienists, Certified Dental Assistants, and Foreign Dentists.

It integrates theoretical knowledge, practical application, and hands-on experience in direct patient care at Manor’s state-of-the-art Dental Health Center.

Its cutting-edge facility encompasses five operatories, a sterilization room, and a dedicated laboratory classroom, providing an ideal environment for hands-on training.

The school has expanded its hygiene clinic and added a laboratory classroom to enhance the College’s capabilities and resources in dental education and patient care.

Here are the program’s modules:

• 1st module: Expanded Functions of Dental Assisting I (5 Credits), advanced operative procedures and fabrication.
• 2nd module: Expanded Functions of Dental Assisting II (1 Credit), 90 hours of expanded duties at Manor’s Dental Health Center, and skills application to direct patient care.
• 3rd module: Expanded Function Internship (1 Credit) is an expanded duty in a private dental office under the supervision of a sponsoring dentist for 20 hours.

The Contemporary Health Career Institute (CHCI) is a leading educational institution offering comprehensive and high-quality dental assistant training.

It provides hands-on courses that equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in dentistry.

The institute’s state-of-the-art facilities and experienced instructors ensure a realistic learning environment.

It also facilitates externships and internships, allowing students to work alongside dental professionals, gain valuable insights, and build confidence in their abilities.

The faculty and staff offer personalized attention, academic support, career counseling, and assistance with job placement, ensuring students receive comprehensive guidance throughout their educational journey.

The Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools licenses the school.

About The Dental Assisting Program

CHCI’s Dental Assistant Training program equips students with the skills and knowledge to become entry-level dental assistants.

This 10-week, 80-hour program provides hands-on training within a modern dental office, offering practical experience before entering the workforce.

The program covers various topics, including Intro to Dentistry & Assisting, Assisting for Operative Dentistry, Basic Assisting Needs, Assisting for Prosthodontics, Radiology, Dental Specialties, and more.

In addition to the comprehensive curriculum, CHCI ensures that students are prepared for the Radiology Health & Safety Exam administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

Successful completion of this exam authorizes Pennsylvania or Delaware dental assistants to operate X-ray equipment legally.

The program costs $2,895.00, covering the registration fee, textbooks, and necessary supplies.

Additional costs may include the DANB Radiology Exam, BLS/CPR certification, and scrub-type uniform expenses.

CHCI offers various payment options, including weekly in-house payment plans.

Bucks County Community College (Bucks) is a public community college in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, established in 1964.

It offers over 90 academic programs through its seven academic departments, covering various disciplines.

These programs include associate’s degree programs designed for transfer to four-year institutions, occupational associate’s degree programs, and certificate programs to prepare students for direct entry into the workforce.

It also offers online classes and various satellite facilities throughout the county, providing flexible learning options.

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits the school and continues to uphold its commitment to providing accessible and quality education to the community it serves.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Bucks County’s Dental Assisting program is a comprehensive 100-hour course that prepares individuals for entry-level positions in a rapidly growing healthcare profession costing $2,300.

The program is free for those who qualify for funding through PA CareerLink and covers administrative and clinical aspects of dental assisting.

Here are the administrative aspects covered in the program:

• History of dentistry and dental assisting
• Introduction to the dental office
• Legal aspects of dentistry
• Policies and guidelines

Here are the clinical aspects of the program:

• Introduction to Oral Anatomy
• Dental operatory and equipment
• Tooth structure (primary and permanent teeth)
• Oral cavity and related structures
• Proper patient positioning
• Dental hand-pieces and sterilization

Upon completion, students will prepare to sit for the DANB Radiology Health and Safety Examination (RHS) exam.

It’s a requirement for dental office employees performing radiological procedures.

While the program is free for qualifying individuals, the DANB exam cost of $250 is not included.

Harcum College was established by Edith Hatcher Harcum, a talented concert pianist, and her husband, Octavius Marvin Harcum.

After pursuing a successful music career, Mrs. Harcum combined her educational and artistic talents with Mr. Harcum’s business vision.

This vision materialized in the form of the Harcum Post Graduate School, which opened its doors in Bryn Mawr in 1915.

It provides outstanding academic, career, and life preparation for students.

Its mission is to empower students and promote learning for learning’s sake, and it continues to adapt to its community’s evolving needs.

Its dedication remains to providing possibilities for individual success and fostering responsible citizenship through service learning.

The institution has grown since its inception, embracing practical, experiential education and exposure to the liberal arts.

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) accredits the school.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Harcum College’s Expanded Functions Dental Assisting Program is a comprehensive training for dental professionals seeking advanced responsibilities.

The program equips students to handle tasks beyond those of a traditional Dental Assistant.

In addition to regular assisting duties, an EFDA is trained in placing and carving amalgam and composite restorations, applying sealants, performing coronal polishing, fluoride application, and more.

The program also covers advanced skills like placing bases and liners and handling matrix bands, wedges, and rubber dams.

The program comprises EFDA I (Lecture/Lab) and EFDA II (Clinical). EFDA I provides a 15-week comprehensive training on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the Spring 2024 semester, from January 20, 2024, to May 4, 2024.

The sessions take place in the Academic Center, specifically in Room B-11. Following the successful completion of EFDA I, participants progress to EFDA II (Clinical).

This phase involves a 15-week clinical experience in the student’s current dental practice, including on-campus meetings and supervision by a qualified dentist.

This structure ensures a well-rounded educational journey, combining theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on clinical skills.

Here are the program’s major’s prerequisites:

• Proof of DANB – RHS exam
• Current CPR certification BLS for Healthcare Providers
• DANB CDA OR successful completion of Dental Assisting assessment exam OR a Registered Dental Hygienist.

For more details, you can contact the school via the website, call 610-526-6029, email at dcavallucci@harcum.edu, or visit their onsite location.