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Online Dental Assistant
Certificate Program

Our self-paced, online Dental Assistant program is designed to prepare you for certification (RDA) and a role as a Dental Assistant in as little as 5 months.

  • $79/month
  • 5-day money-back commitment
  • DEAC Accredited
  • 100% online, self-paced classes, on your phone or computer
  • Proven Results: 79% RDA Pass Rate vs. 62% National Average
  • Complete in 5-10 months, part-time
  • One-on-one career coaching and instructor support
  • Start learning today - no waiting period!
  • $79/month
  • 5-day money-back commitment
  • DEAC Accredited
  • 100% online, self-paced classes, on your phone or computer
  • Proven Results: 79% RDA Pass Rate vs. 62% National Average
  • Complete in 5-10 months, part-time
  • One-on-one career coaching and instructor support
  • Start learning today - no waiting period!

Serving 100,000+ students in the past decade alone.

What You'll Learn
  • Preventative Dentistry and Nutrition
  • Dental Equipment and Instruments
  • Dental Examinations
  • Front Office Procedures
  • Dental Anatomy and Terminology
  • Dental Pain Management
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Medical Emergencies
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Orthodontics
  • Radiology
  • Prosthodontics
  • Dental Insurance
  • Periodontics
  • Endodontic

Request Information

*By clicking the Request Info button, I am providing my electronic signature and giving my express written consent for U.S. Career Institute to mail, email, call or text me using automated technology including artificial voices, pre-recorded messages and auto-dialers about educational services and future offers at the information provided above, including my wireless number. I understand that I am not required to provide this consent to attend U.S. Career Institute. As an alternative to providing this consent, I may call the school at 866-250-6851.

Proven Reputation

A+ BBB Rating, 45 Years in distance education, 97% of students would recommend us to a friend.

DEAC Accredited

The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.

Affordable Tuition

Payment Plan: $79/month ($1,539 total) or Pay-in-Full: $1,239. See full tuition details.

Top Program

Our dental assistant course is one of our top programs, and is a highly in-demand field.

Proven Reputation

A+ BBB Rating, 45 Years in distance education, 97% of students would recommend us to a friend.

DEAC Accredited

The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.

Affordable Tuition

Payment Plan: $79/month ($1,539 total) or Pay-in-Full: $1,239. See full tuition details.

Top Program

Our dental assistant course is one of our top programs, and is a highly in-demand field.

Course Outline

U.S. Career Institute's Online Dental Assistant Program provides graduates with theoretical instruction and practical skills that prepare students to obtain entry-level dental assistant positions in a dentist’s office working alongside dentists, orthodontists, and other oral healthcare specialists. You will receive complete step-by-step illustrated lessons and virtual labs that prepare you for this rewarding, in-demand dental assistant career.

View Full Curriculum

Quick Facts

  • Lessons: 31
  • Quizzes: 31
  • Complete in as little as 5 months

What's Inside the Course

Beginner-Friendly Lessons

Classes are designed for anyone to easily learn, and are broken up into digestible sections that build as you progress through our program. No due dates or deadlines.

Engaging Curriculum

Reading lessons, supplemental videos, interactive exercises, note taking, read-aloud and disability features, and open note multiple choice quizzes with no time limit.

MA Instructor

Melia Lewis, MEd, BSDH, RDH, FADHA

Meet the Lead Instructor/Course Expert

Melia Lewis earned her Master of Education, Learning and Technology from Western Governors University and her Bachelor of Dental Hygiene from the Utah College of Dental Hygiene. She is licensed as a Registered Dental Hygienist with the State of Utah Division of Professional Licensing. She is currently practicing RDH at Provo Family Dentistry, Provo, UT. Her professional experience includes roles as an adjunct professor at Utah Valley University and clinical instructor/adjunct professor at the Utah College of Dental Hygiene. She is the co-creator and chief marketing officer of Hygiene Edge, an online educational website for dental professionals. Melia is an experienced lecturer on dental hygiene with articles published in the industry. She is a member of such professional organizations as the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, the Utah Dental Hygienists’ Association, the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, the Utah Oral Health Coalition, the American Dental Education Association and the International Federation of Dental Hygiene. Her diverse background includes both international and community volunteerism, being a legislative committee member of the Utah Dental Hygienists’ Association and a member of its Central Component Presidency.

Rebecca Gayheart
Melia Lewis, MEd, BSDH, RDH, FADHA

Meet the Lead Instructor/Course Expert

Melia Lewis earned her Master of Education, Learning and Technology from Western Governors University and her Bachelor of Dental Hygiene from the Utah College of Dental Hygiene. She is licensed as a Registered Dental Hygienist with the State of Utah Division of Professional Licensing. She is currently practicing RDH at Provo Family Dentistry, Provo, UT. Her professional experience includes roles as an adjunct professor at Utah Valley University and clinical instructor/adjunct professor at the Utah College of Dental Hygiene. She is the co-creator and chief marketing officer of Hygiene Edge, an online educational website for dental professionals. Melia is an experienced lecturer on dental hygiene with articles published in the industry. She is a member of such professional organizations as the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, the Utah Dental Hygienists’ Association, the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, the Utah Oral Health Coalition, the American Dental Education Association and the International Federation of Dental Hygiene. Her diverse background includes both international and community volunteerism, being a legislative committee member of the Utah Dental Hygienists’ Association and a member of its Central Component Presidency.

Program Reviews


Enrollment only takes 5 minutes!

· Get instant access!  
·  5-day money-back commitment  
·  $79/month


Enrollment only takes 5 minutes!

Get instant access!  ·  5-day money-back commitment  ·  $79/month

Career Outlook & Certification

Median Salary

$47,300*

Number of jobs

381,900*

Job Growth by 2034

6%*

Dental Assistant Certification

Upon graduating from our Dental Assistant Certification Online Program, you will receive your U.S. Career Institute Certificate of Completion attesting to your accomplishment. U.S. Career Institute’s Dental Assistant program prepares you to take the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification exam, administered through American Medical Technologists (AMT). Included with our program, we cover the cost of your RDA exam through AMT - $150 value†. USCI encourages graduates to review the RDA test prep materials on the AMT website prior to taking the exam. The AMT site includes free study materials. If you choose to pursue certification, in addition to your online dental assistant certification training from USCI you will need to provide proof of current CPR certification prior to sitting for the exam. The cost of CPR training is not covered by USCI.

The certification process is straightforward, and no prior experience is required to become a Dental Assistant.

Check Mark

As of March 8, 2024, our program can be used to fulfill the education requirements and/or gain certification or licensure (or licensure is exempt) in many states See state specific requirements. Verifying licensing requirements is particularly important for residents of California, Washington DC, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Montana, New York, Ohio, and Tennessee.

Check Mark

Dental Assistant jobs are projected to increase 6% by 2034* according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Check Mark

The average RDA exam pass rate for U.S. Career Institute graduates is 79% vs. the National Average of 62%.**

Check Mark

People transition into dental assistant jobs because it offers a comfortable wage, good hours and benefits, a sense of fulfillment, reliability, job security, and it’s a growing field.

Check Mark

A career as a dental assistant is an essential part of the dental care team, and truly makes a positive impact on people’s lives.

Tuition & Financing

U.S. Career Institute is committed to making your dental assistant education affordable and inclusive. Start a new career that you’ll love and find fulfilling without a mountain of debt!

5-Day Money-Back Commitment

After you receive your first lesson, you have 5 full days to decide if our program is the best route for you. Learn more.

Student Support & Coaching

Your tuition includes access to instructors via phone and email, student services, tutoring, resume and job interview support, and one-on-one career coaching $400 value**.

Learning Materials Included

Your tuition includes e-books, study guides, supplemental videos, and interactive exercises. Hard copy books are also available for under $50. Everything is included - no hidden fees after enrollment.

Option 1: Pay in Full

$1,239

Save $300

Application charge is waived ENROLL NOW

Option 2: Monthly Auto Payments

$1,539*

$79 Monthly Payment

First Payment: $79** ENROLL NOW

*Plus one-time $29 application charge..

**First payment includes $50 down payment and $29 application charge. Application charge is non-refundable.

How to Enroll

  • 1

    Provide us with basic information - Our form asks for your name, email, phone, date of birth and education level. You must be at least 16 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and be able to read, write and speak English fluently.

  • 2

    Pay for your tuition: You can pay-in-full or choose our monthly payment plan.

  • 3

    Sign the enrollment agreement and disclosures

That’s all! It just takes about 5 minutes then you’re ready to start your first lesson.

ENROLL NOW REQUEST INFO

Questions? Give us a call
866-250-6851

Get started today!

ENROLL NOW REQUEST INFO

Questions? Give us a call
866-250-6851

Program FAQs


To become a dental assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a comprehensive dental assistant training program, earn certification if required by your state or employer, and apply for entry-level dental assistant positions.

Most dental assistants follow these steps:

  • 1

    Prerequisites: Earn a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

  • 2

    Education: Enroll and graduate from a dental assistant program that covers dental anatomy, infection prevention, radiography, chairside assisting, dental materials, patient care, and office procedures.

  • 3

    Earn Certification: Many employers prefer or require certification.

  • 4

    Employment: Build a professional resume and apply for entry-level dental assistant positions in private practices, specialty dental offices, clinics, or public health settings.

How U.S. Career Institute Helps You Achieve This:

U.S. Career Institute guides you through every milestone of this career pathway with dedicated support:

  • 1

    High School Diploma: If you do not have a high school diploma or equivalent, U.S. Career Institute can help with our online high school program! 100% online, you can finish your diploma from the comfort of your home, on your schedule!

  • 2

    Accredited Education: Our school is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), ensuring your interactive learning modules meet the highest academic standards.

  • 3

    Certification Included: We prepare you for the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification exam, administered through American Medical Technologists (AMT). Your tuition covers your exam fee, practice tests, and study materials.Students are responsible for obtaining CPR certification before taking the exam, the cost of CPR training is not covered by U.S. Career Institute.

  • 4

    Graduate Career Coaching: Meet 1-on-1 with our career coaches to finalize your resume and practice for job interviews.

Read our full article on How to Become a Dental Assistant

Dental assistant certification requirements vary by state. While certification is not required everywhere, many employers prefer or require certified dental assistants because certification demonstrates professional knowledge and job readiness.

U.S. Career Institute prepares students to take the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification exam administered by American Medical Technologists (AMT). Tuition includes the RDA exam fee, study materials, and practice test.

Please note that current CPR certification is required before taking the RDA exam, and students should review their state's dental assisting requirements before seeking employment.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Dental Assistants have a median salary of $47,300 a year.* However, actual earnings vary based on your location, employer, experience, certifications and work setting. Review our dental assistant career profile

Yes. U.S. Career Institute is Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.

Dental assistants are a crucial part of the patient care team. Dental assistants support dentists before, during, and after patient procedures. They prepare treatment rooms, sterilize instruments, assist during procedures, take and develop dental X-rays (where permitted), maintain patient records, schedule appointments, and educate patients on oral health and post-treatment care.

Learn more about the day-to-day responsibilities, skills and career opportunities for dental assistants in our Dental Assistant Career Profile.

The time it takes to complete dental assistant training depends on the type of program you choose. Certificate programs commonly take between 5 and 12 months, while associate degree programs may take up to two years.

U.S. Career Institute's self-paced online Dental Assistant program can be completed in as little as five months, with most students finishing in approximately ten months. Learn more on our blog, “How long does it take to be a dental assistant.”

A career in this field may require you to meet certain licensing, training, and other requirements that can vary by vocation and state. You should check with your state, local government and/or licensing board to find out which requirements may be applicable in your state.

IMPORTANT State Licensing Requirements: Click here for more information.

Dental assistant students learn dental terminology, anatomy, infection control, chairside procedures, and patient care. Many students find the coursework manageable with consistent study and instructor support.

U.S. Career Institute's flexible, self-paced online program allows students to learn on their own schedule while receiving guidance from instructors when needed.

Dental Assistant at work
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Citations & Disclaimers
* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Dental assistants. Occupational outlook handbook. U.S. Department of Labor. Retrieved September 16, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm
**DA source: AMT Analytics - 2025 - 79% RDA exam pass rate (national average 62%). Date of AMT analytic summary report: February 1, 2026.
Disclaimers: Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.
Provided in form of reimbursement when the following terms are met: Student submits receipt issued by AMT, has successfully completed the program and has paid tuition in full. Reimbursement is for up to $150 towards the cost of the RDA exam. AMT site includes free study materials.