Dental Assistant Training Program

Dental Assisting Program Student

Dental assistants play an important role in managing patient care and supporting dentists. Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) offers accelerated dental assisting programs in Illinois and Missouri, so you can get the skills and experience you need to start a dental assisting career in less than a year!

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MTI’s Admissions Team will reach out to answer any questions you have and share next steps!

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Dental Assisting Program Overview

Length:
35 weeks (9 months)
When:
Daytime classes available (Monday - Thursday)
Hours:
765 clock hours (includes 225 externship hours) / 135 outside additional clock hours
Completion:
Diploma

What Makes MTI's Dental Assisting Program Different

Hands-On Focused

Labs designed to simulate real dental work environments

Accelerated Training

Complete your dental assistant training in just 9 months

Experienced Instructors

Experienced Instructors

All dental assisting instructors have real-world experience

Dental Assisting Program Student Giving a Practice Exam

Externship

Get experience working in a real dental office as part of your dental assistant training

Employment Preparation

Employment Preparation

No general education courses required, students will learn the skills required for entry-level employment

Career Placement

Job Placement Assistance

Job placement assistance is available to all qualified graduates

Dental Assisting Program Students Practicing Their Skills

The School of Dental Assisting at Midwest Technical Institute

Dental assistants provide clinical and clerical support to dentists, and may choose to specialize in order to work with other dental professionals like endodontists and orthodontists. At MTI’s dental assistant training schools, you’ll earn the skills and experience necessary for an entry-level dental assistant position. MTI’s dental assistant classes are taught by instructors with real-world experience in the dental field. You’ll get hands-on training in both a classroom and lab setting. The Dental Assisting Program concludes with an externship that gives you real working experience in the dental industry. Externship can help you learn what type of dental assistant position you may want to pursue after graduation. MTI’s accredited dental assistant programs help you develop the skills you need to start a new career!

HANDS-ON DENTAL ASSISTANT CLASSES

Radiographs & Impressions | Equipment Sterilization | Lab Work | X-Ray Procedures | Patient Education

MTI’s Dental Assisting Program in Illinois and Missouri is led by instructors with real-world experience. Through a combination of classroom and hands-on instruction, you’ll be trained in both clinical & administrative duties, including:

  • Infection Control
  • Restorative Dentistry & Dental Charting
  • Prosthodontics & Dental Office Lab
  • Dental Radiology & Office Administration
  • Dental Specialties & Preventative Dentistry
  • Employment Preparation & Review and Externship

Dental Assistant Certification

For dental assistant certification, students are required to take two of the three DANB (Dental Assisting National Board) certification exams: RHS (Radiology Health & Safety) and ICE (Infection Control Exam).

Quick Facts: Dental Assisting Program

A dental assistant works closely with a dentist, assisting in all dental procedures. The dental assistant enables the dentist to care for many more patients and to produce more dentistry than they could alone. Dental assistants handle a mix of administrative and clinical duties, so the scope of their responsibilities is wide-ranging, depending on where they work. MTI’s hands-on dental assistant training teaches you clinical and administrative skills so you can start a new career in the dental field.

To learn more, check out: What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2023, the median annual wage for dental assistants was $46,540. Recent BLS data illustrates salaries are highest among dental assistants working in government positions, followed closely those working in dental or physician offices. Annual wages may depend on key factors such as your location and patient populations.

Dental assistants typically work in a dental facility, and can take on the role of a clinical dental assistant, dental laboratory assistant, or even dental office administrative assistant. MTI’s Dental Assisting Program will give you the skills required to perform in a clinical, laboratory or office setting.

To learn more, check out: What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

The dental assistant profession continues to grow as a result of the population living longer and advancements in procedures, treatments, prevention and cosmetic/aesthetic dentistry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the job outlook for dental assistants will increase by 8% from 2023 to 2033.

For more information on MTI program costs, please contact Financial Aid or visit Tuition & Cost.

Check out the Dental Assisting FAQ for the answers to frequently asked questions about dental assistants!

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“MTI helped give me the knowledge and confidence to start my career in the dental field. The externship was so valuable, and gave me an insight on what day-to-day operations look like in a dental practice. I've worked my way up to an office manager and couldn't be happier! MTI helped me get here.”

Whitney

Dental Assisting Graduate

Financial Assistance

Financial Aid Team

MTI’s Financial Aid Team provides personalized support to students applying for federal financial aid and help with understanding all the funding options, including scholarship opportunities.


Scholarship Opportunities

MTI Graduates

MTI is here to help you attain the funding you need to take the next step in your education. MTI’s Financial Aid Team can help match you with scholarship opportunities you may qualify for.


Enrollment & Outcomes

Enrollment and outcome information for all Illinois-based campuses and the ACCSC annual reports for each program can be found in Adobe PDF format. Please note, all programs are not offered at all campuses. For annual details, please visit our dental assisting enrollment and outcome page.

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Accreditations

ACCSC Logo

For more information about our accreditations and approvals, please visit: https://www.midwesttech.edu/about-us/accreditation/

Midwest Technical Institute is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education: 1 N. Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 333, Springfield, IL 62701. For more info:  www.ibhe.org

Midwest Technical Institute is approved to operate by the Missouri Department of Higher Education.