Dental Assistant Certificate
At a Glance
Practice Like a Pro in Carroll’s Dental Assistant Program
Dental Assistants play a vital role in dental offices helping dentists and dental hygienists provide services to patients. Carroll’s fully equipped, state-of-the-art dental lab now features a fully functioning x-ray arm, digital sensor, and dental x-ray manikin. This hands-on experience is invaluable in preparing students for the workplace and for the national exam.
Approx. Number of Hours/Months:
90 hours/3 months
Program Cost:*
$1,970 (plus cost of exam); Tuition Assistance Available
Schedule:
Offered Fall & Spring; meets 2 evenings a week
Certification Earned:
Radiation Health and Safety (RHS)
Min. Occupational Requirements:
18 years old or older; high school diploma or equivalent; pass the Radiation Health and Safety Exam
What You’ll Learn
Carroll’s Dental Assistant certificate program teaches you all skills and knowledge you need to thrive in a professional dental office.
You’ll build a strong foundation in:
- Dental anatomy & charting
- Dental terminology
- Dental care & periodontal disease
- Classification of dental restorations
- HIPAA & patient privacy
You’ll also gain hands-on experience with:
- Dental instruments & materials
- OSHA infection control standards
- Disinfection & sterilization techniques
- Anesthesia & pain control
- Operative dentistry procedures
Plus, you’ll master the essentials of dental radiography, including:
- Radiation and safety protocols
- Exposure of intra-oral x-rays
- Processing dental radiographs
- Radiographic interpretation
By the end of the program, you’ll have the practical and technical expertise to confidently step into a dental office and contribute from day one.
Curriculum
Courses are approved by Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners. Training includes practical experience in a dental lab and practice using dental software in a computer lab. Clinical portion of Oral Radiography may be completed at place of employment or at Maryland State Dental Association (MSDA).
View all current course offerings. Not all courses are offered within every term schedule.
Prerequisite Courses
Learn the essentials of becoming successful as a student and employee in today’s healthcare systems. Topics include communication, working well on teams, respecting and valuing differences, and the importance of professionalism. Discuss the availability of healthcare careers in the local region, marketing your skills to potential employers, resumes, application letters and how to prepare for interviews.
Core Courses
Gain entry-level dental assisting job skills. Topics include terminology, anatomy, charting and medical history, instruments, four-handed dentistry, restorative materials, oral hygiene, infection control, sterilization and OSHA regulations. This hands-on course provides practice on equipment in a dental operatory/lab and practice using dental software. Prerequisite: Professional Preparation in Healthcare AHE-196. Course includes an online component; internet access required.
Further your dental assisting career by learning to take dental x-rays and prepare to sit for the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam. This course is approved by the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners. Course includes an online component; internet access required. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Dental Assisting (AHE-063) or another basic dental assisting course, or you must be currently working as a dental assistant.
Licensure/Certification Earned
Students who successfully complete Oral Radiography are eligible to take the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Examination through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). This certification is required to operate dental x-ray equipment and take x-rays in Maryland as a Dental Assistant.
The instructor engaged us by bringing her personal experience as a Dental Assistant into the classroom. Her support and encouragement helped me excel in school and confidently embrace a new career. I now have an exciting position in a state-of-the-art practice.
Financial Assistance
Why Choose Carroll’s Dental Assistant training?
- Fast & Affordable Training: Get job-ready in just 3 months—without taking on big student debt.
- Hands-On Experience: Train in a fully equipped dental lab with real x-ray equipment & manikins.
- Expert Instructors: Learn directly from licensed dental professionals with years of industry experience.
- Supportive Learning Environment: Small classes mean personal attention and plenty of hands-on practice.
- Industry-Aligned Curriculum: Developed with input from dental professionals, so you gain the exact skills employers want. View our Advisory Boards.
- Career-Ready Preparation: Graduate with the knowledge and confidence to sit for the national RHS certification exam.
Career Outlook
The career outlook for Dental Assistants is strong, with employment projected to grow about 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth translates to roughly 52,900 job openings each year nationwide.
Dental Assisting offers stable employment and opportunities for advancement in a variety of professional dental settings, including private practices, specialty offices, and community health clinics.
Dentists are increasingly relying on skilled Dental Assistants to perform routine tasks. Those who gain specialized training or certifications often command higher wages and enjoy expanded career options, along with the satisfaction of helping patients maintain healthy, confident smiles.
- What does a Dental Assistant do?
Dental Assistants support dentists during procedures, manage patient records, sterilize instruments, take X-rays, and perform administrative tasks. - What is the average salary for Dental Assistants?
The average wage for Dental Assistants in Maryland is $22.89 per hour. (Wages are based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are estimates only.) - Is financial assistance available for this program?
Yes! This program is eligible for tuition assistance.
Get Started Today
410-386-8100 | wbce@carrollcc.edu | Building A, Room 115
*Unless noted, cost does not include any required textbooks and related materials, applicable licensing fees, background check fees, testing fees or prerequisite courses.