Dental Assisting & Dental Assistant (Diploma & Associate Programs)

Prepare for a new career sooner than you think

Dental Assistants can make a  real difference for a patient when they visit the dentist. Whether welcoming clients with a smile, maintaining the back-office or assisting the dentist in a procedure; a dental assistant can help put a smile on everyone's face.

8/ 18

Months

8%

National Employment Demand (2021-2031)

Train to Assist at the Front Desk or Chairside

  • Learn the foundations of dental care and front office operations in this diploma program.
  • Curriculum includes an externship so you gain real-world experience. 
  • Complete your diploma in as few as 8-months of study for the diploma program and 18-months for the associate degree program at the Southaven and Memphis campuses. 

Program Overview

Dental assistants do a little of everything in the dental office. From updating patient records to sterilizing instruments and assisting during procedures, their role is versatile, fast-paced, and can make a real difference in the lives of patients. With Concorde, you can be ready to pursue a dental assistant career in months, not years. 

 

  1. Externships are a non-paid in-person learning experience, who's length and location may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee externship placement, graduation, post-externship employment or salary outcomes

  2. **Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected national growth in job openings for dental assistants 2021-2031 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants Projections are national. Local job market demand may vary.

Get Started

Curriculum

Concorde’s dental assistant diploma teaches foundational concepts of dentistry, including anatomy, physiology and the different dental specialties in as few as eight-months.  You’ll learn to take impressions, assist during procedures, and keep the front office operating efficiently.

  • Introduction to Dental Assisting & Dental Terminology
  • Dental Specialties
  • Materials and Procedures
  • Patient Care and Management
  • Diagnostics and Orthodontics
  • Dental Radiology

Career Outlook

A Career with Smiles

Dental assistants do a little of everything in the dental office. From updating patient records to sterilizing instruments and assisting during procedures, their role is versatile, fast-paced, and can make a real difference in the lives of patients.

  • Work Alongside Dentists & Hygienists
  • Assist Chairside During Patient Exams & Procedures
  • Prepare & Take Patient X-Rays
  • Manage and Schedule Patient Appointments
  • Collect and Record Patient Records
  • Prepare & Sanitize Instruments & Care Spaces

8%

Projected national job demand for dental assistants 2021-2031 

Dental Assistant Career Growth

Job demand for dental assistants is projected to grow as more patients seek dental care and clinics expand.

Financial Aid

As part of our commitment to your success, Concorde ensures that you have access to comprehensive information and guidance in navigating the financial aid process. Concorde offers financial aid and scholarship programs to those who qualify.

Pacific Dental Services Foundation

 

 

The Pacific Dental Services Foundation is proud to offer the"Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship”. Named after Dr. Carolyn Ghazal and her heart for service, the scholarship aims to mold the next generation of passionate, servant-hearted, dental assistant leaders. This scholarship provides need-based financial aid, mentorship and on the job training.

Scholarships are awarded based on application excellence, financial need and a heart for service. Need-based financial aid, covered by the scholarship will be awarded not to exceed $5,000.

To apply for consideration please ask your financial aid office or DA program director for more information.

Award Amount:  $5,000

Scholarship Deadlines:

  • August 1st
  • November 1st

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements: 

  • Currently Enrolled in a Concorde Assistant Diploma Program.
  • See application for full eligibility requirements
  • For additional consideration, create a short video answering the essay questions, upload to Instagram™ with #pdsfscholarship and tag @pdsfoundation. State full name and school in video.
  • Click here to see "how-to apply" video
***Scholarship selection is through a third-party, Concorde does not guarantee award or eligibility. Application for scholarship does not guarantee enrollment or graduation into Concorde, nor employment and subsequent salary by any party including Pacific Dental.
Scholarship Application

Accreditation

Accreditation and licensure are an important part of an academic institution’s operation. Visit our Accreditations and Licensure page for more details about our accreditations and licensure.

Flordia State Board of Dentistry: Approved

The Dental Assistant program is approved by the Florida State Board of Dentistry to certify dental assisting students in expanded duties and radiology. Department of Health, Board of Dentistry: 4052 Bald Cypress Way; Bin C-08, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3258; 850-488-0595.

Flordia State Board of Dentistry logo
  • Jacksonville, FL
  • Miramar, FL
  • Orlando, FL
  • Tampa, FL

TN Dentistry Board: Approved

The Dental Assisting (Diploma) program is approved by the Dental Board, State of Tennessee Health Related Boards, 665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor, Nashville, TN 37243; 615-532-5073; 1-800-778-4123.

  • Memphis, TN

FAQ

Dental Assistant Program FAQ

Frequently asked questions and answers.

13 Questions

The Dental Assistant Program at Concorde can be completed in as little as 8 months. However, program length can vary by campus. Please check with an admissions advisor for program length information.

Call us to find out when the Dental Assistant Program starts at a Concorde campus location near you. Program start dates can also be found in the campus catalog located at https://catalogs.concorde.edu/.

According to BLS.gov, the National Employment Demand (2022-2032) for the Dental Assistant job field is projected to grow 7%. Keeping proper oral health is key to keeping healthy overall. Therefore, the demand for dental services is expected to rise as the population ages.

**Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected national growth in job openings for dental assistants 2021-2031 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants Projections are national. Local job market demand may vary.

Dental Assistantswork with dentists and dental hygienists to help patients feel comfortable and happy about oral health. From assisting with dental procedures such as fillings, crowns, and extractions, no two days are the same if you become a dental assistant. Dental Assistantscan enjoy a rewarding experience and have the opportunity for career advancements.
Concorde incorporates real-world training and off-site clinical experiences in our programs.
For program-specific tuition information, please see the campus catalog.
The Dental Assisting (Diploma) program at Concorde can be completed in as little as 11 months. This program is only offered at the Memphis campus. Please check with an admissions advisor for program length information.
Call us to find out when the Dental Assisting (Diploma) program starts at a Concorde campus location near you. Program start dates can also be found in the campus catalog located at www.Concorde.edu.
For program-specific tuition information, please see the campus catalog.
The Dental Assisting (Associate of Applied Science) program at Concorde can be completed in as little as 21 months. However, this varies by location. Please check with an admissions advisor for program length information.
Call us to find out when the Dental Assisting (Associate of Applied Science) program starts at a Concorde campus location near you. Program start dates can also be found in the campus catalog located at www.Concorde.edu.
According to BLS.gov, the Dental Assistant job field is projected to grow 7 percent through 2029. Keeping proper oral health is key to keeping healthy overall. Therefore, the demand for dental services is expected to rise as the population ages.
For program-specific tuition information, please see the campus catalog.

You may also be interested in the following programs

Dental Hygiene

  1. Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

  2. Professional certification is not a requirement for graduation, may not be a requirement for employment nor does it guarantee employment.

  3. Financial aid is available to those who qualify but may not be available for all programs. Concorde does not guarantee financial aid or scholarship awards or amounts.

  4. Clinical hour requirements and delivery may vary by campus location and may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee clinical site assignments based upon student preference or geographic convenience; nor do clinical experiences guarantee graduation, post-clinical employment or salary outcomes.

  5. Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.