Dental Assistant with Externship

Train for a New Career as a Dental Assistant

When you train with {{ $root.brand.brandName }} you can be prepared for a successful career as a dental assistant in just 4 months. Career Step's Dental Assisting program is a fun and engaging solution that will prepare you to get certified and working in the dental industry.

The dental assistant career path offers several benefits including:

  • Positive employment outlook – Dental assisting jobs are expected to grow by 19% through the year 2026*.
  • Competitive salaries and benefits – Dental assistants enjoy competitive wages with average salaries of $37,630* and the potential for employment benefits.
  • Fulfilling career – Dental assistants find their jobs extremely satisfying because they interact with new people every day and help them achieve a beautiful smile.

Choose our training for:

  • Training to excel in your job – Career Step’s training program provides you with all the learning and hands-on practice you’ll need to become certified and succeed as a dental assistant.
  • Quick completion timeline – The program is designed so you can be trained and working in a matter of months, with the flexibility to finish your course on your schedule.
  • Support to help you succeed – Though the course is entirely online, you'll never be on your own. Career Step's learner success team is available to offer personal, ongoing support all the way through the training program.

The online program provides instructional videos, images, and quizzes to test your knowledge throughout the course and help you increase your retention. The course also includes simulations, allowing you to enhance your learning experience with “hands-on” practice.

A professional externship is included in your learning experience giving you actual hands-on practice. Externships provide an enriching opportunity to network with professionals in the dental care field and complement your resume. This physical training consists of 120 hours at a local dental office and is conducted under the supervision of a dentist, dental technician, or dental assistant. You will also have the opportunity to observe and work chair-side with the dentist and staff.

With our online dental assistant training, you can develop the specialized skills you need to excel in your new career. Call {{ $root.brand.contacts.advisor.contactPhone || $root.DEFAULT_PHONE }} or request free information today for more details!

*U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics

Dental Assistant brochure

Dental Assistant FAQs

Dental assistants are a crucial component to a properly functioning dental office. They cover a wide range of responsibilities and contribute to the patient’s overall care. Here are a few key tasks:

  • Assist the dentist during dental procedures
  • Sterilize instruments
  • Take dental impressions
  • Manage office records, including billing and paperwork
  • Greet and care for patients
  • Schedule and confirm patient appointments
  • Instruct patients on proper oral care
  • And more

Career Step has been training healthcare professionals for over 25 years and offers comprehensive training that prepares learners to work as dental assistants. With Career Step, you’ll study online, on your own schedule, and at your own pace. You’ll know you’re getting the right training; personal, ongoing support; and the resources and guidance you need to turn your training into a job.

 In order to be admitted, you must be at least 18 years of age and either a) have a high school diploma or a General Education Development Certificate (GED), or b) pass the Career Step Pre-Sign Up Assessment Test. There are no specific skills or experience that are considered prerequisites for entry into the Career Step training program.

The didactic portion of the Career Step program is offered entirely online, providing 24/7 access to all material and allowing you to progress through the curriculum on your own schedule and at your own pace. The program is broken into modules, or program subjects, all of which focus on helping you build the essential knowledge and skills of a dental assistant.

 The training program is 270 hours plus a 120 hour externship for a total of 390 hours. Since the program is completely self-paced and the online training format allows you the flexibility to study as much or as little as your schedule allows, the time it takes you to complete the course will vary from other learners. The training is designed to be completed in 4 months of full-time study, and you receive an initial 12-month period of training to provide you the flexibility to study part-time on a pace and at a schedule that works for you.

Course extensions are available once you are 3 months within your course expiration date should you feel you need more time to complete the program.

Your training includes everything you will need to train for a successful career as a dental assistant. Your training includes:
  • Access to expert-created curriculum
  • Technical support