by 
Are you tired of a low-income job?
Or are you looking for a career that will compensate you better?
This job’s salary ranges from $14-$24 depending on your expertise and experience, which is higher than in other industries such as retail and hospitality.
It also offers annual raises if you have a top-notch assisting performance and career advancement.
You can further your studies to level up your position in the dental field; the higher the position, the higher the earnings!
If you’re ready to begin with a high-paying job, start your Dental Assisting journey now!
Check out our school’s list of dental assistance programs in Pittsburgh, PA.
1 Cornerstone Dental Assistant Academy, LLC
Cornerstone Dental Assistant Academy, LLC helps shape passionate and skilled dental assistants’ futures.
It is led by experienced instructors Amanda Newhouse and John Hatfield.
Its core values emphasize inspiring smiles, teaching balance, enriching growth, valuing responsibility, and providing leadership.
The school’s mission is to deliver precise training in a professional dental setting, ensuring our graduates become highly valued by hiring dentists.
With a focus on hands-on training and classroom lectures, the school believes dental assistants are the cornerstone of successful dental practices.
The school’s program not only prepares students for the dynamic challenges of this fast-paced profession but also opens doors for further specialization.
It includes Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA), Dental Lab Technician, Dental Hygienist (RDH), Dental Administrator, or even a Dentist (DMD).
It also offers a one-day course focusing on Radiology content to help you prepare for the RHS exam.
The PA State Board of Private Licensed Schools licenses CDAA, ensuring the highest standards in education.
About The Dental Assisting Program
CDAA’s Dental Assisting program is your way to a fulfilling career in dental assisting.
The comprehensive program spans 13 weeks and is conducted within a thriving dental office, ensuring a hands-on and practical learning experience.
Classes are scheduled every Friday from 8 am to 3:30 pm, providing a convenient and focused approach to education.
Combining classroom lectures with hands-on training forms a strong foundation for practical knowledge essential for entering the dental field.
To further enhance students’ skills, weeks 6-12 include a 60-hour externship at their chosen office, allowing them to apply their learning in a real-world setting.
Admission requirements include:
- Being 18 years old.
- Completing an application with a $50 application fee.
- Obtaining a PA Criminal background check.
- Undergoing a reading assessment test.
Tuition and fees, totaling $4,400, cover textbooks, dental supplies, CPR/BLS certification, a professional resume, and the DANB radiology exam fee.
Payment options include full payment, down payment with an in-house payment plan, or third-party financing through Meritize.
Address: 70 Fort Couch Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15241, United States
2 University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine advances oral health through teaching, services, and research for over 125 years.
The school’s mission emphasizes training a new generation of compassionate clinicians, expanding scientific knowledge, and providing excellent patient care.
Its vision is to create a diverse and supportive community.
It contributes to cutting-edge research, enriches clinical expertise, and maintains strong connections with alums.
The school celebrates its 125th Anniversary, taking pride in its historical milestones, such as admitting its first female student over a century ago.
Today, the institution continues to evolve, with over half of its pre-doctoral class comprising vibrant and diverse women.
About The Dental Assisting Program
Pitt Dental Medicine’s Dental Assistant Apprenticeship Program is a unique initiative laying the groundwork for future career growth.
It offers a comprehensive approach to education and hands-on experience.
The program provides full-time work experience from Monday to Friday, allowing participants to dive into the dental profession and gain invaluable practical knowledge.
Students can access a resourceful learning environment with computers and online resources, ensuring a well-rounded educational journey.
Here are the following topics covered in the program:
- Introduction to Dental Radiology
- Dental Sciences
- Dental Materials
- Dental Anatomy & Terminology
- Dental Assisting Profession
- Dental Team Members and Specialties
- Engage in practical learning through our Online Simulation Lab, offering immersive experiences in Sterilization.
- Instruments Identification, Instrument Transfer, and step-by-step instruction of multiple dental procedures.
Completing the apprenticeship opens doors to one year of guaranteed employment, facilitating a seamless transition into the professional industry.
Additionally, the program covers the costs of National Entry Level Dental Assisting Board certification during enrollment, providing comprehensive support for your certification journey.
Address: 3501 Terrace St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
3 Institute of Medical and Business Careers
The Institute of Medical and Business Careers (IMBC) trains individuals with essential occupational skills required for entry-level positions in their chosen careers.
Established as The Institute of Medical Careers (IMC) in Pittsburgh in 1995, IMBC expanded its programs beyond healthcare to meet the demands of the growing economy.
Its programs blend clinical training and classroom instruction, enriching the development of students’ abilities for a successful career.
In 2017, IMBC introduced 100% online training programs, extending its caring and supportive environment to students nationwide.
Today, it is led by Guy and Michael Euliano’s brothers with accreditation from ABHES.
It’s an institution dedicated to higher education.
It provides a nurturing atmosphere for students, staff, and instructors with over 50 years of combined experience.
About The Dental Assisting Program
IMBC’s Dental Assisting program equips students with the skills to perform dental assistant tasks in general and specialty dental practices.
Students will receive hands-on training in a spacious lab with actual dental equipment and tools, accompanied by classroom instruction from experienced teachers.
The program spans one year with six 6-week course length and 25 or less average class size.
The curriculum covers various skills, including preparing and maintaining treatment rooms, dental laboratories, and instruments.
Students will learn about sterilization and disinfection, following industry guidelines, mixing and manipulating materials, and exposing and processing dental radiographs.
Also, students will perform laboratory tasks such as taking impressions and fabricating dental appliances.
Students will also participate in an internship to apply their skills in an actual dental setting under professional supervision.
Upon successful completion, students will be prepared to sit for two nationally recognized certifications: the Nationally Registered Dental Assistant (NRDA) credential and the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam.
IMBC covers the cost of these exams, providing you with a competitive advantage in the job market.
Address: 133 Jefferson Road Pittsburgh, PA 15235
4 Westmoreland County Community College
Westmoreland County Community College is a premier institution focusing on student success, economic growth, workforce development, and cultural experiences.
Founded in 1970, Westmoreland County Community College has grown from offering nine evening classes to becoming a cornerstone of educational excellence.
The school’s curriculum meets the demands of evolving industries.
Its most popular programs span health professions, general transfer studies, and manufacturing technology.
Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Westmoreland County Community College adheres to the highest educational standards.
The college aims to improve community life through education, training, and cultural enrichment.
About The Dental Assisting Program
Westmoreland County Community College’s Dental Assisting program holds accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
Students can gain a comprehensive understanding of dental assisting, covering tasks from patient care to X-rays, recordkeeping, and appointment scheduling.
The program also incorporates hands-on clinical training in all aspects of dentistry, including rotations at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and private dental offices.
Here are some of the topics highlighted in the program:
- Intro to Dental Assisting
- Oral Anatomy
- Dental Assisting Lab
- Dental Science
- Dental Material for Dental Assisting
- Human Biology
- Dental Rad for Dental Assisting
- General Psychology
- Dental Assisting
- College Writing
- Dental Assisting II
- Practice Management
- Interpersonal Communication
Upon completion, graduates will achieve radiology certification in Pennsylvania.
Address: 145 Pavilion Lane Youngwood, PA 15697
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 | Cornerstone Dental Assistant Academy, LLC |
|
#2 | University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine |
|
#3 | Institute of Medical and Business Careers |
|
#4 | Westmoreland County Community College |
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dental Assistant
Dental Assisting by City
Dental Assisting by State