11 Best Dental Assistant Schools in Phoenix & Mesa, AZ

Carrington College established itself to transform students’ lives through education, especially in the healthcare and trade industries.

The school dedicates itself to helping students fulfill their dreams.

With campuses across seven Western states, it offers various educational paths, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and certificate programs.

The school’s educators bring practical and real-world experience, ensuring students are well-prepared for their future careers.

Its programs emphasize hands-on training, utilizing technologies and processes in the student’s chosen field.

It offers comprehensive support services, from tutorials to career guidance, to enhance students’ college experience.

Carrington College maintains high education standards, holding accreditation by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Carrington College offers a comprehensive Dental Assisting program designed to help students for a successful career in the dental field.

Its program covers all facets of working with dentists, from patient care to office and laboratory responsibilities.

This certificate program runs for nine months with a blended program that combines online lectures with hands-on labs.

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

• Assisting with dental procedures like fillings, crowns, and extractions.
• Taking dental impressions and molds.
• Preparing patients for surgeries.
• Operating and maintaining equipment.
• Engaging with patients and addressing their concerns.
• Performing administrative tasks such as appointment scheduling and billing.
• Setting up examination areas and cleaning up after procedures.
• Sterilizing equipment to maintain hygiene standards.
• X-ray operation, equipment maintenance, and more…

To enroll in the program, students must submit a high school diploma or GED. However, specific requirements may vary by institution.

Phoenix College, founded in 1920, is a place of diversity and inclusion.

This educational institution remains dedicated to providing accessible and affordable education to various communities, from opportunity youth and refugees to Native American populations.

It offers 150 degree and certificate programs and annually serves approximately 17,000 students.

Phoenix College also holds numerous accreditations that ensure program quality and success, and its commitment to sustainability is evident in responsible energy management, recycling, and educational efforts.

The college’s core values and mission focus on equity and access for all, making it a vital educational resource in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona.

About The Dental Assisting Program

The Phoenix Dental Assisting program prepares students for a fulfilling career in dental healthcare.

This program offers a Certificate of Completion (CCL) and an option to earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree.

Graduates of the program qualify for the Dental Assisting National Board Certification Exams to take the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential, along with the required Arizona Radiologic Proficiency Certificate (AZRC) and Arizona Coronal Polishing Certificate (AZCP).

The program is full-time, and students must commit 40 hours a week.

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

• Provide direct patient care according to the Arizona State Dental Practice Act.
• Manage patient data, including histories, vital signs, radiographs, and treatment plans.
• Assist dentists during various procedures and emergencies.
• Ensure patient comfort and offer oral hygiene guidance.
• Communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Implement safety and infection control guidelines.

To join this program, students should have a high school diploma or GED equivalency and must meet program prerequisites.

It also does background checks and health and immunity declarations.

Arizona College has a legacy of over 30 years in healthcare education.

In 1991, a group of pharmacists founded the Arizona School of Pharmacy Technology, initially to meet the growing demand for pharmacy jobs.

Five years later, Eduvision, Inc., a corporation with extensive health education experience, acquired the school, expanding its offerings and renaming it the Arizona College of Allied Health.

By 2012, the institution was finally named Arizona College, and it grew into 20 campuses in 12 states.

Its educational approach provides a focused, structured, culturally rich, dynamic learning environment that promotes faculty, staff, and student engagement.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) accredits the school to maintain its commitment to providing high-standard education.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Arizona College Dental Assistant Diploma provides students with a comprehensive education in this field.

It allows them to earn their dental assistant diploma in approximately nine months.

The program spans 38 weeks, structured into four quarters.

It blends classroom education and valuable real-world experience during an eight-week clinical externship in a dental practice setting.

The comprehensive curriculum includes the following:

• Administrative/Clerical Training: Covering tasks such as charting dental histories, providing patient information, post-operative instructions, and oral hygiene education.
• Technical Equipment Training: Learning to sterilize tools, prepare tray set-ups for dental examinations, and construct crowns and bridges.
• Lecture & Lab Courses: Taught by experienced faculty to provide a well-rounded education.
• Externship Experience: Gaining practical knowledge and confidence through hands-on experience in a dental office.

The school’s Career Services team will also support students with their job applications, writing resumes, cover letters, and more.

Brookline College understands the importance of launching students’ careers quickly.

It offers accelerated programs leading to a diploma for only 30 weeks and an associate degree for 60 weeks.

The bachelor’s degree is 120 weeks, while the master’s degree is 40 weeks.

Brookline College is dedicated to students’ success and committed to delivering its best service from beginning to end.

It aims to meet the educational demands of a developing multicultural society.

Brookline College holds licenses from the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education in Arizona and the New Mexico Higher Education Department in New Mexico.

The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) accredits the school as well.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Brookline College offers a 40-week Dental Assistant diploma that equips students with the skills and knowledge needed for a rewarding career.

It provides comprehensive training in both administrative and clinical tasks with modern facilities and dental labs.

It also has an externship to provide students with real-world applications.

The program covers the following topics:

• Covers Anatomy, Head and Neck Anatomy, Tooth Morphology, and Pharmacology (4 Credits)
• Encompasses Preventative Dentistry, Microbiology, Pathology, and Infection Control (4 Credits)
• Focuses on Dental Specialties (4 Credits)
• Includes Dental Office Administration, Medical Emergencies, and CPR (3.5 Credits)
• Involves Dental Radiography (4 Credits)
• Addresses Restorative Dentistry (4 Credits)
• And more…

The school’s admissions team will guide you through job applications, creating resumes, and more processes to ensure your career after completing the program.

East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) is a dynamic institution dedicated to transforming lives, serving communities, and preparing students for college and career success.

It aims to change lives by nurturing students and aiding local communities through comprehensive career and college preparatory training.

This training creates a skilled workforce that effectively addresses the needs of businesses and industries.

The school envisions students completing their educational experience with industry-recognized credentials, college credits, and hands-on training, ensuring their competitiveness in the global workforce.

The Commission of the Council on Occupational Education accredits EVIT.

About The Dental Assisting Program

EVIT Dental Assistant program spans 2-4 semesters and offers the possibility of earning college credits.

Before enrolling, students must meet the prerequisites, including six high school credits (required) and a recommended GPA of 2.0. Seniors are eligible if they have completed one credit of Biology or Anatomy & Physiology.

The estimated supply fees are $85 for the first year and $190 for the second year.

Tuition fees for the Adult Blended Program are $4,885 per year.

The program covers the following:

• Provide patient care.
• Conduct dental radiographs (x-ray photographs).
• Prepare patients and equipment for dental procedures.
• Manage office administrative functions.
• Equipment maintenance and sterilization.
• Essential radiography, pre-and post-operative patient care, and instruction.
• Chairside assisting.
• Performing tooth and mouth impressions and more.

Experienced dentists and dental hygienists will supervise all of the training.

Pima Medical Institute is an employee-owned, private, accredited medical career college established in 1972 by founders Richard Luebke Sr. and JoAnn Luebke.

It offers hands-on education in healthcare professions, including dental, medical, and veterinary fields, for over 50 years.

Its curriculum contains certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree programs.

The school offers 30 programs within 17 campuses in the western United States, providing flexible learning options, including on-campus, hybrid, and 100% online learning.

Its mission is to enhance people’s lives by delivering exceptional value in medical career education.

The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) accredits Pima and has several program-specific licensing bodies.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Pima Medical Institute Dental Assistant Certificate Program is a hybrid and on-campus program that runs for nine months.

It’s a comprehensive program that prepares students for an entry-level position as a dental assistant.

It provides hands-on training in administrative and assisting skills.

Here are the program outlines:

• Career Prep Sequence covering study skills, anatomy, physiology, computer basics, math fundamentals, CPR, and first aid.
• Professional Sequence I with courses in anatomy/pathology of the head, fundamentals of dentistry, dental office administration, dental therapeutics, and administrative and clinical applications.
• Professional Sequence II focuses on dental equipment, chairside assisting, and clinical procedures.
• Professional Sequence III includes charting essentials, dental radiography, and further clinical applications.
• Externship (DEN 250) offers hands-on experience in an actual dental setting to apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program.

In addition to real-world experience, clinical externships also guide students in making resumes, letters of recommendation from supervisors, and sometimes job placement directly after graduation.

UEI College is an educational institution that provides career training and skills that help students build a brighter future.

It believes every student deserves the opportunity to create a better life.

The school’s dedicated faculty and staff will guide students in choosing the right career path to help them find potential employers after graduation.

UEI College aims to empower students to create enduring, positive changes in their lives and communities.

It has 40 years of experience in the industry, offering in-demand training for business, healthcare, and trade programs.

The Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) accredits UEI College.

About The Dental Assisting Program

UEI College’s Dental Assistant Program is a comprehensive program that runs for ten months.

It offers a flexible hybrid mode, combining online classes, onsite labs, and an externship at a local clinic to provide real-world, hands-on training.

Students will train in preventative, radiographic, and clinical dental procedures, along with administrative duties typically performed in a dental clinic.

A 170-hour externship provides real-world experience and prepares students to assist dental professionals from day one.

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

• Disinfecting and Sterilizing Dental Equipment.
• Assisting Dentists with Common Dental Procedures.
• Preventative Dentistry and Personal Oral Hygiene.
• Scheduling Appointments and Updating Patient Medical Records.
• Real-World On-the-Job Training and more.

After completing the program, students will receive a diploma and other certificates after passing the required exam for certified Dental Assistants.

Phoenix Dental Assistant School is part of Zollege.

It’s a healthcare career school with a mission to allow students to become Dental Assistants without student debt and prolonging their studies.

By partnering with over 130 doctors and dental groups nationwide, it aims to help thousands of students launch careers as dental assistants.

The school offers affordable higher education options that provide skills-based training leading to jobs.

It promotes accelerated learning by training students inside the workplace with experienced industry professionals.

Partnering with the industry creates a solid path to job creation for our students, serving communities by increasing access to education and benefiting financially through payments for the use of their office.

Phoenix Dental Assistant School is regulated and licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education.

It ensures students receive the same certificates as any other school in Arizona.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Phoenix Dental Assistant School’s Dental Assisting program runs for 12 weeks.

It equips students with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in dental assisting.

The program focuses on delivering what is essential for your future in the field.

It blends online homework resources, modules, and readings before attending in-office weekend sessions.

It also offers 40-hour externships to provide real-world experience, making our students confident and qualified dental assistants.

Upon completion, students will be BLS Certified through the American Heart Association.

They’ll also get a Dental Assistant School Certificate and a radiology certificate after passing the RHS Exam (Radiation Health & Safety).

To qualify for the program, students must provide Proof of high school completion, a U.S. government-issued photo ID, and Proof of U.S. citizenship.

Dr. Eldon Hastings established the American Institute of Dental Assisting (AIDA) as he recognized the lack of training in dental assistants.

His primary goal was to provide real-world, hands-on training, ensuring aspiring dental assistants acquire the necessary skills before entering their professional roles.

Licensed dentists train students, and its curriculum includes direct instruction from practicing dentists.

About The Dental Assisting Program

AIDA’s Dental Assisting Program offers actual hands-on learning, not hypothetical situations, to practice learned skills in the dental field.

The program runs for 13 weeks, and students will receive instruction on the latest, up-to-date x-ray information and techniques, as well as industry-specific Dentrix software.

It has state-of-the-art facilities 100% operated for our students, providing them with the complete dental assistant experience.

The curriculum with live patient dental clinics taught by real dentists helps students thrive for dental industry success.

AIDA will assist students in exploring financing options, including grants, scholarships, and flexible payment plans.

The 90-Day Dental Assistant is a revolutionary online dental assisting school founded by Dr. William Fulcher, an expert in the field.

The school has been educating and guiding local students to kickstart their dental assisting careers for years.

Its program offers flexibility, allowing you to study anytime, anywhere, on your phone, laptop, or tablet.

The curriculum costs less than a single college credit at most institutions.

It also provides externship coordination at no additional charge, assisting students in finding the perfect dental office for hands-on experience.

The school program thoroughly prepares students for the RHS certification, boasting an impressive 85%+ pass rate on the first attempt.

About The Dental Assisting Program

The 90-Day Dental Assistant program splits into 12 lectures, including the day-to-day tasks of a dental assistant.

Students will also find supplementary videos demonstrating essential techniques and actual procedures, including sterilization, x-rays, fillings, extractions, crowns, and Dentrix software, the industry leader.

Dr. Fulcher, a highly accomplished dentist, will deliver all lectures, allowing you to review, rewatch, pause, fast forward, and rewind to your heart’s content.

Additionally, it offers support with resume writing and job placement, including externships, to help students confidently step into their new careers.

The program costs $997; students can make a single payment to start without delays.

For more details, you can contact them through its website, call (480) 516-8068, or visit the onsite school.

Mesa Academy of Dental Assisting is a dynamic training center.

It specializes in crafting cutting-edge curricula and instructional programs customized to ensure the success of each student.

The educational environment prepares students for high-quality opportunities.

It takes pride in its highly trained team of educators, each boasting years of experience in the dental field, with a minimum of five years of recent full-time work as a dental assistant.

Moreover, it has the advantage of having a licensed, practicing DDS onsite.

The school’s commitment is to foster excellence that defines professional distinction.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Mesa Academy of Dental Assisting is at the forefront of providing exceptional hands-on dental assisting education.

Students will gain both knowledge and practical experience, setting them on the path to becoming invaluable assets in the dental field.

The program covers the following key areas:

• Dentistry Fundamentals: Introduction to Dentistry, Infection Control and Preventative Dentistry.
• Radiography Expertise
• Pain and Anxiety Management
• Exploring Dental Specialties
• Laboratory Proficiency
• Compassionate Patient Care
• Practice Administration
• Polishing Techniques: Coronal Polish
• Lifesaving Skills: CPR Certification

After completing the program, students prepare to take the state-mandated national radiology exam and the Coronal Polish exam, which the Dental Assistant National Board administers.

They also earn CPR certification and receive training in OSHA and HIPAA guidelines applied in dental offices.