Online Dental Assistant Programs
Affordablecollegesonline.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.
Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:
- Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
- Provide specific, corrective feedback.
- Identify critical information that writers may have missed.
Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for Affordablecollegesonline.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.
Dental assistant programs prepare graduates to work in an in-demand field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for dental assistants to grow 7% between 2019-2029, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
Several schools offer online dental assistant programs. Typical admission requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants may also need to submit standardized test scores.
This guide ranks the best online dental assistant programs. It also covers other important information for learners, including scholarship opportunities for dental assistant students.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Assistant Programs
What does it take to become a dental assistant?
Dental assistants must complete an accredited associate or certificate program, or at least two years of on-the-job training and pass a licensure exam.
What is the difference between a dental assistant and a dental hygienist?
Dental assistants do not perform any direct work on patients, except for taking X-rays and preparing patients for a procedure. Dental hygienists render direct patient care, such as removing stains and plaque, applying decay preventives, and administering local anesthetics.
How much do dental assistants make?
The BLS reports a median annual salary of $40,080 for licensed dental assistants.
What does a dental assistant do?
Dental assistants perform many duties, including sterilizing instruments, preparing patients for treatment, and handing instruments to dentists during procedures. They also take and process X-rays.
Dental Assisting Specialization
Dental assistants can specialize in specific practice areas, such as pediatrics or orthodontics. Even if a dental assistant program does not provide concentration tracks, students can often enroll in elective courses to specialize their studies. Many dental assistant programs offer one or more of the specializations described below.
Pediatric Dentistry
Dental assistants who specialize in pediatric dentistry work with younger patients, typically infants to adolescents. They perform certain tasks that cater to the needs of young dental clients, such as applying sealants, teaching patients the proper way to floss and brush their teeth, and providing interceptive orthodontic care.
Orthodontics
Orthodontists specialize in realigning teeth to improve function and appearance. A dental assistant who specializes in this field takes X-rays and impressions that aid orthodontists in teeth realignment. They also teach patients how to care for their dental gear, document information, and perform preliminary exams.
Oral Surgery
Dental assistants with training in oral surgery perform tasks such as administering anesthesia and monitoring a patient’s vital signs throughout a surgical procedure. They also prepare the dental tray to make sure the surgical instruments are properly sterilized and ready for use.
Accreditation for Dental Assisting
Accreditation indicates that a school meets high academic standards with respect to factors like academic rigor, student learning outcomes, and faculty qualifications. Schools may receive regional or national accreditation, with regional accreditation generally considered the more prestigious of the two.
Programs within a school may also hold accreditation. The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) serves as the main accrediting agency for dental education.
Accreditation benefits students in several ways. For instance, only students at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid, and many schools only accept degrees and transfer credits from accredited institutions. Additionally, many professional licenses and certifications require an accredited degree.
Career and Salary Outlook for Dental Assistants
Accredited dental assistant programs prepare graduates for the duties and responsibilities of the profession. However, dental assistants can also use their degree to pursue additional degrees, such as a bachelor’s in dental hygiene.
Dental Assistant
In addition to helping dentists during different types of oral procedures, dental assistants take patient histories, sterilize and maintain instruments, and teach patients about proper oral care and hygiene. Depending on the size of the practice, dental assistants may also schedule appointments and help patients with billing and payment.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth Rate (2019-2029) |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Assistants | $40,080 | 7% |
Source: BLS
License and Certification Requirements for Dental Assistants
To date, 38 states recognize or require dental assistants to hold the certified dental assistant (CDA) credential from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Some states require additional DANB certification for practitioners who plan to pursue a career in a specific arena, such as the certified oral and maxillofacial surgery assistant credential.
Certification requirements vary by state, but candidates typically need an associate degree or a dental assisting certificate from a CODA-accredited school to sit for the exam. Candidates without a degree or certificate who can show full-time, on-the-job training that lasted for at least two years can also sit for the exam.
Scholarships for Dental Assistants
Schools offering online dental assistant programs often maintain financial aid packages for their students. In addition, enrollees can find several scholarship and grant programs administered by private organizations, state and federal agencies, professional associations, and large corporations with an interest in the dentistry field. Below, we describe three such scholarships.
American Dental Assistants Association Scholarships
Who Can Apply: Dental assisting students enrolled in a CODA-accredited program can apply for one of the financial aid programs administered by the ADAA. Applicants must demonstrate excellent academic performance and hold ADAA membership.
Amount: Varies
Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Administered by the Pacific Dental Services Foundation, the scholarship welcomes applications from dental assisting students enrolled in an accredited program. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and a commitment to a career in the field. The scholarship also provides mentorship opportunities and on-the-job training.
Amount: $5,000
National Dental Association Foundation Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Dental assistant students who demonstrate financial need can apply for this scholarship. Applicants must show evidence of community service and submit two recommendation letters and a letter of request.
Amount: $800
Associate in Dental Assisting Programs 2022
See Our Rankings MethodologyPearl River Community College
Poplarville, MS- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Located in Poplarville, Mississippi, Pearl River Community College operates as a public institution. The school offers three online associate programs, including an associate in dental assisting degree. Most associate programs only require applicants to hold a high school diploma or GED. The school uses placement tests to create an individualized graduation plan for admitted students. The school's admissions advisors help prospective students complete the enrollment process.
The flexible schedule helps busy students balance school with work or other responsibilities. The program's asynchronous classes let learners complete coursework at any time, from any place.
An associate degree from the accredited institution prepares graduates for the workforce or a bachelor's program. Graduates can save money on a bachelor's degree by transferring their credits into a four-year institution.
Pearl River Community College Facts:
Online Enrollment: 2,433
Graduation Percentage: 34%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $3,250
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $5,648
- In-State$3,250
- Out-of-state$5,648
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,157
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Central Community College
- Grand Island, NE
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Based in Nebraska, Central Community College educates online students residing throughout the country. The institution's offerings include accessible online associate programs, such as the AAS in dental assisting. Associate degree-seekers often choose online programs to accommodate their busy schedules. Students in associate programs complete foundational coursework and field-specific classes.
Prospective students can access graduation requirements and program details on the institution's website. While earning an associate degree, learners complete hands-on components in their field. Student support services prepare learners to succeed academically and professionally. Students can access professional tutoring to improve their academic performance.
Many associate degree-holders immediately apply for entry-level positions. After earning an associate degree, graduates can also pursue a bachelor's degree. The institution charges an affordable per-credit rate. Financial aid can help associate degree-seekers reduce out-of-pocket expenses. To qualify for admission to associate programs, learners typically need a high school diploma or passing GED scores.
Central Community College has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- In-State$2,700
- Out-of-state$4,050
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled6,368
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Kaskaskia College
- Centralia, IL
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
As a public institution, Kaskaskia College offers affordable degree programs from its campus in Centralia, Illinois. The institution delivers affordable and accessible online programs, including an AAS in dental assisting. Flexible online learning formats often allow students to work full time while earning their associate degree. Associate-level curricula feature general education and major requirements. Students can explore the institution's website to learn about associate program requirements. The school offers advisors, IT professionals, and other support staff for distance learners. Associate degree-seekers can enhance their resume through practical training experiences.
After earning an associate degree, graduates can enroll in a four-year program. Graduates of associate programs can also start their careers immediately. Associate degree-seekers pay affordable per-credit tuition rates. After factoring in financial aid, degree-seekers pay $5,398 on average to attend the school. Learners interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree often save money by completing the affordable two-year dental assistance degree before transferring.
Kaskaskia College has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an independent accrediting body.
- In-State$7,050
- Out-of-state$11,850
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,248
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
Mid-Plains Community College
- North Platte, NE
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Mid-Plains Community College is a public postsecondary school located in North Platte, Nebraska. The school's offerings include accessible online associate programs, including a dental assisting program. Online learners often access flexible scheduling options. Students in associate programs complete general education and major credits. The program’s website provides information about other requirements. Distance learners work with advisors, IT professionals, and other support staff at the school. While earning an associate degree, learners complete hands-on components in their field.
Graduates can also transfer their associate degree into a four-year program. After completing an associate program, graduates can also immediately apply learned skills to entry-level positions. Students earning an associate degree pay affordable per-credit tuition rates. After accounting for financial aid, degree-seekers pay an average of $7,380 to attend the school. Learners hoping to save money and join the workforce faster can do so by finishing the inexpensive two-year degree in dental assisting.
The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an independent accrediting body.
- In-State$2,820
- Out-of-state$3,660
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,125
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
Mott Community College
- Flint, MI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Learners can obtain an affordable associate degree at Mott Community College, a public, religiously non-affiliated school. Prospective students can select from 53 on-campus associate programs and three online associate programs. Online students can finish the AAS in dental assisting program and earn their degree in two years or less. The school provides advisors, IT professionals, and other support staff to help distance learners. Associate degree-seekers enhance their resume through practical training experiences.
After earning an associate degree, graduates can pursue bachelor's studies. Other associate degree-holders immediately begin their career. Students earning an associate degree from the school pay affordable per-credit tuition rates. To minimize student debt, associate degree-seekers can apply for grants and scholarships. Students typically complete a high school diploma or GED before admission.
The school holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
- In-State$4,402
- Out-of-state$6,274
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled7,564
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment21%
- AccreditationYes
Delta College
- University Center, MI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
From its University Center, Michigan, campus, Delta College enrolls learners as a public institution. The school offers 13 online associate programs, including an associate degree in dental assisting. Applicants with a high school diploma or GED can enroll in the online program. Depending on their prior college experience, incoming students may take placement tests to determine their class selections. The school's admissions advisors help prospective students complete the enrollment process.
The dental assistance program offers a flexible, online format that helps students stay on schedule to earn their degree. The program's asynchronous classes let learners complete coursework at any time, from any place.
After earning an associate degree in dental assistance, graduates can transfer into a bachelor's program. The school maintains articulation agreements with four-year colleges, making it easier for graduates to move seamlessly into a bachelor's program.
Delta College Facts:
Online Enrollment: 2,612
Student Graduation Rate: 15%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $5,910
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $11,130
- In-State$5,910
- Out-of-state$11,130
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled7,819
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment33%
- AccreditationYes
University of Southern Indiana
- Evansville, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
From its campus in Evansville, the University of Southern Indiana operates as a public institution. Applicants can enroll in the two-year dental assisting program with a high school diploma or the equivalent. Incoming students submit transcripts to determine their transfer credits and class standing. Applicants work closely with admissions advisors to complete the enrollment process.
The associate in dental assisting program offers a flexible, online format that helps learners stay on schedule. Students requiring the most flexibility can enroll in asynchronous courses with no set meeting times.
With an associate degree in dental assistance, students enter the workforce or transfer into a bachelor's program. The school maintains articulation agreements with four-year colleges, which means that graduates can transfer more credits toward a bachelor's degree.
University of Southern Indiana at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 5,785
Percent of Applicants Admitted: 93%
Percent of Students who Earn a Bachelor's Degree: 50%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $7,986
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $19,296
- In-State$7,986
- Out-of-state$19,296
- In-State$9,486
- Out-of-state$18,528
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled10,705
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
Chattanooga State Community College
- Chattanooga, TN
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Chattanooga State Community College allows learners to pursue associate degrees online. The school offers 23 on-campus associate programs and five online associate programs. Students can finish the online associate program in dental assisting and earn their degree in two years. In addition to classroom work, associate programs involve hands-on experiences such as internships. The institution delivers student support services. Learners can use peer tutoring sessions to improve their grades.
Graduates can also transfer their associate degree into a four-year program. After graduating from an associate program, individuals can pursue entry-level roles. Degree-seekers pay an average of $6,821 to attend the school, after accounting for financial aid. The inexpensive two-year dental assisting degree also helps graduates begin their career faster.
The school holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- In-State$4,032
- Out-of-state$16,608
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate50%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled8,050
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
Kirkwood Community College
- Cedar Rapids, IA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
A public institution, Kirkwood Community College offers degrees from its main campus in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. One of its four online associate programs, degree-seekers can enroll in the associate in dental assisting program. Prospective students with a high school diploma or GED can enroll in the online dental assistance program. The school administers placement tests to create customized graduation plans for incoming students. The program provides additional information about admission requirements and start dates.
The online learning format puts more control in the hands of busy students seeking a dental assistance degree. Many programs use a fully asynchronous format, which allows online learners to complete coursework at any time of day.
An associate degree in dental assisting prepares learners for the workforce or a four-year degree. Most schools maintain articulation agreements with four-year colleges, enabling graduates to transfer their credits seamlessly into a bachelor’s program.
Kirkwood Community College Fast Facts:
Online Enrollment: 4,991
Rate of Graduation: 32%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $5,280
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $6,870
- In-State$5,280
- Out-of-state$6,870
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled13,788
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
Coastal Alabama Community College
- Bay Minette, AL
- 2 year
- Campus
From its Bay Minette campus, Coastal Alabama Community College grants certificates and degrees as a public institution. Prospective students with a high school diploma or GED can enroll in the online dental assisting program. The school may require placement tests for some incoming students. Students can also choose to submit their SAT or ACT scores.
The online learning format helps students balance school with work or other responsibilities. Degree-seekers benefit from the dental assisting program's asynchronous course options, which let learners complete courses on their schedule.
After earning an associate degree in dental assisting, graduates can transfer into a bachelor's program. The school maintains articulation agreements with local four-year colleges. This helps students transfer their credits toward a bachelor's degree.
Coastal Alabama Community College Fast Facts:
Online Enrollment: 3,273
Student Graduation Percentage: 16%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $3,930
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $7,860
- In-State$3,930
- Out-of-state$7,860
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate56%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled7,535
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Related articles that may interest you
Best Affordable Online Associate Degrees 2025
Affordable online associate degrees prepare you for entry-level careers and further studies. Popular degree choices include business, nursing, and more.
Updated April 24, 2025
Accelerated Online Associate Degree Programs
An accelerated associate degree lets students take an increased course load and graduate faster. Accelerated programs appeal to professionals looking to quickly increase their job options and salary potential. Military students and those seeking employment in healthcare or business may find particular value in accelerated degrees online. Earning a fast track associate degree online offers …
by Reese Lopez
Updated June 23, 2023
Best Master’s in Data Analytics Programs: What You Need to Know
Signs are pointing to data analytics becoming a game-changer for modern businesses. One survey discovered that 94% of companies believe data and analytics are crucial for their growth and digital transformation. In another survey, 92% of data leaders said they felt hopeful because data analysis helped their businesses grow and be more productive. According to …
Updated February 2, 2024