7 Best Dental Assistant Schools in Tucson, AZ

Pima Community College is a cornerstone for education and workforce development in Pima County and beyond.

Its mission is to transform lives through affordable education and give hope to students seeking a brighter future.

The college offers high-quality two-year programs that cater to the diverse needs of its student body.

It also facilitates seamless transitions into four-year programs for those seeking advanced education.

The school is rapidly evolving into a high-tech hub, aligning its offerings with the expanding aerospace, defense, and healthcare industries in the area.

Pima Community College holds recognition from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a reputable institutional accreditor.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Students in Pima’s Dental Assisting Certificate program gain at least 336 hours of hands-on clinical experience, ensuring their strong preparedness for the workforce.

The program runs for nine months and is available in Fall and Spring semesters.

Here are the program outlines per semester:

First Semester:

• Introduction to Health Care for Dental Assisting
• Biomedical Dental Science
• Dental Assisting I & Dental Assisting I Lab
• Oral Radiography & Oral Radiography Clinical Lab
• Dental Materials & Dental Materials Lab
• Dental Assisting Procedures I & Dental Assisting Clinical Procedures I

Second Semester:

• Dental Assisting II
• Dental Assisting III
• Dental Assisting Procedures II
• Dental Assisting Procedures Clinical II

Upon completing this program, you will be well-prepared for the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) national board exam.

To gain entry into this program, you must complete specific preparatory coursework, including BIO 100IN or high school biology.

Additionally, you need to achieve a Next-Generation Accuplacer score of 250 or complete REA 112HP or REA 112.

Tucson Dental Assistant School is a member of Zollege, a healthcare career school.

Its rebranded dental assistant program offers a unique opportunity to launch students’ careers in the dental field without the burden of student debt or years of traditional schooling.

The school partners with over 130 doctors and dental groups nationwide to provide affordable and accessible education for students in the dental field.

It aims to eliminate student debt by offering skills-based training that leads to jobs.

They believe in the power of industry partnerships for job creation and educational access.

It provides a hybrid learning program that combines in-person labs at a local dental office with at-home, self-paced online lectures.

This comprehensive approach equips students with all the skills necessary to excel as dental assistants guided by passionate and knowledgeable instructors.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Tucson Dental Assistant School’s Dental Assisting program is a 12-week program structured to provide the exact knowledge and skills students need to succeed in the field.

Each week, students will experience a mix of pre-recorded lectures, online activities, and hands-on skills practice.

Some assignments are due weekly, and students will spend 4.5 hours in an in-person class dedicated to honing their lab skills in an actual dental office in Tucson.

It also has a 40-hour externship program after completing class 3 to provide real-world exposure for students to gain confidence and become qualified dental assistants.

Students will work under direct guidance from experienced dental professionals in a local dental office.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will get a comprehensive set of certificates and qualifications, including:

• BLS Certification through the American Heart Association
• Dental Assistant School Certificate
• Radiology Certificate upon passing the RHS Exam (Radiation Health & Safety)

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

Arizona Sunset School of Dental Assisting, founded by Dr. Jose Osete and Dr. Hiram Cervantes, brings over 20 years of experience in general dentistry to the field of dental education.

Their journey began with a desire to bridge the gap between new dental assistants’ training experiences and the actual demands of the dental profession.

They believe dental assistant training should be accessible, comprehensive, and efficient.

The need for dental assistants with the right skills is evident, and they are committed to providing the knowledge and hands-on experience required to meet this demand.

The school’s program combines online resources, modules, and readings for building knowledge with in-office weekend sessions for mastering practical skills.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Arizona Sunset School offers an intensive Dental Assisting program that is a dynamic and accelerated path to a fulfilling career in the dental field.

The program runs for 15 weeks with 90 hours for lectures and 65 hours for clinical internship/externship and occurs every Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

It provides hands-on training with state-of-the-art equipment, instruments, and dental materials to ensure students familiarize themselves and use the tools efficiently.

Here are some of the topics covered in the program:

• Crown and Bridge
• Oral Diseases
• Dental Radiology
• Four-Handed Dentistry
• Periodontics
• Restorative Dentistry
• Endodontics
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Impressions
• Implant Dentistry
• Nitrous Sedation
• Oral Anatomy
• Sterilization
• And more…

The program also has Optional Clinical Rotations, available during regular business hours throughout the week.

Students can observe and receive training from experienced office staff as they perform these tasks daily.

Accelerated Academy is an educational institution dedicated to helping students uncover their unique strengths and potential.

Its mission is to provide an accessible, convenient, and attainable education that empowers students to start a fulfilling and enjoyable career journey. Education can be time-consuming and expensive.

The school courses aim to prepare you for your new career in as little as ten weeks. With its interest-free payment plans, you can receive a quality education and graduate debt-free.

It boasts a convenient and achievable course with a 98% passing rate, 3,400 students hired, and 652 industry professionals trusting them.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Accelerated Academy offers three dental assisting courses per year, each spanning ten weeks, depending on your enrollment state.

These engaging classes, held for eight hours, take place one day per week, either on Fridays or Saturdays.

Its unique curriculum combines lectures and hands-on learning opportunities from experienced dental professionals dedicated to students’ success.

The classes occur within practicing dental offices, ensuring you gain hands-on experience to prepare for your new career as a dental assistant.

The program learning combines technology and hands-on learning.

Its online learning system enhances convenience, while hands-on methods provide real-world experience to prepare you for the working environment.

Here are the main topics covered in the program:

• Dental terminology and equipment
• X-rays (conventional and digital)
• Impressions and pour/trim models
• Four-handed dentistry (operative, crown, bridge, oral surgery, and
• root canals)
• Updating patient health history
• Room setup, breakdown, and instrument sterilization
• OSHA and HIPAA guidelines
• Front desk operations
• Patient seating and dismissal, including taking blood pressure
• Career and life skills

Carrington College stands as an institution dedicated to preparing individuals for rewarding careers in the healthcare field.

The school’s core mission revolves around providing educational opportunities to impact students’ lives positively.

Carrington College has widespread accessibility with seven western state locations.

It offers opportunities for aspiring students to pursue various educational paths, from earning bachelor’s degrees to acquiring certificates or associate degrees.

The faculty members at Carrington College bring practical, real-world experience to the classroom.

Students can benefit from instructors who have worked in their respective fields, offering insights and knowledge that align with the current job market.

Carrington College holds accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Carrington College designed its Dental Assisting program to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for thriving in the field of dental assistance.

The program is comprehensive training in all aspects of working with dentists, including patient care, office procedures, and laboratory responsibilities.

It focuses on practical and real-world skills, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for their professional journey.

It also blends online lectures and on-ground labs, making it convenient and adaptable to different learning styles.

The program teaches students to learn essential skills in preventive dentistry, dental science, dental office protocols, fundamental dentistry, dental assisting procedures, and more.

Carrington College also provides an option for degree completion and certificates.

It enables students to further their educational qualifications based on their career aspirations.

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

Its exclusive focus is on healthcare professions, including veterinary fields, dental, and medical.

Pima provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree programs.

Since its establishment, the institute has proudly offered high-quality, healthcare-focused education.

Today, the school has 17 ground campuses and a robust online division. Despite leadership changes, its mission to support students remains unchanging.

Pima Medical Institute holds an accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

It also has several state and program-specific accrediting and licensing bodies.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Pima Medical Institute’s Dental Assistant Certificate Program spans nine months.

It equips students with the essential skills and knowledge to excel as entry-level dental assistants.

The program is hybrid; students benefit from the same support and resources as on-campus students, including mental health support, career services, and more.

This approach combines online instruction with in-person elements.

Students will receive hands-on training, allowing them to learn real-world skills and develop the communication, administrative, and assisting capabilities crucial for dental assisting taught by seasoned professionals in the field.

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

• Assist dentists with oral care and patient comfort.
• Educate patients on maintaining oral health and ease their anxieties.
• Administrative responsibilities include appointment scheduling, billing, and communication with vendors.
• Learn to prepare patients, take X-rays, and sterilize equipment.
• Provide post-operative instructions and educate patients on proper oral healthcare.
• Prepare materials for dental impressions and restorations.
• And more…

Upon completing the program, students are ready for the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) License Exam.

Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) is one of the oldest and biggest school districts in Southern Arizona that was established in 1867.

It has 89 school network services and become a pillar of the Tucson community for 150 years, symbolizing a long history of community involvement and academic distinction.

The school aims for a better world by connecting, learning, and innovating with the district’s diverse population.

It delivers a comprehensive and engaging education to children from pre-K to 12th grade.

Through its unchanging commitments, students will be ready to become active, moral, and responsible global citizens due to this educational experience.

About The Dental Assisting Program

Tucson Unified School District’s Dental Assisting Program is a four-year program divided into two parts: Year 1 (Dental Assisting 1 & 2) and Year 2 (Dental Assisting 3 & 4).

The program is available to all TUSD high school students. Students can opt for traditional five-day-per-week classes or an Extended Day Program after school three days a week.

51% of the program focuses on hands-on learning conducted in a lab setting.

During lab sessions, students will engage in practical and real-world experiences, allowing them to practice skills and techniques.

Here are the Dental Assisting 1 & 2 and Dental Assisting 3 & 4 topics highlights:

• Tooth numbering
•  Charting
•  Infection Control
• Lab Safet
• Clinical Dental Procedures
• Introduction to Dental Specialties
• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
• Preventative Dentistry
• Perio/Coronal Polish
• OSHA
• Dental Office Management
• Dental Radiography
• Clinical Dental Procedures
• Fixed Prosthodontics and more.