Become a Dental Assistant in just 12 weeks!

Our students in the Dental Assistant program will have the opportunity to gain DANB certification, a nationally recognized credential, upon successful completion of the required coursework and exams, enhancing their career prospects in the dental field.

Dental Assistant Training

3D Scanner Class

Coronal Polish Prep Class

X-Ray Review Class

Welcome to Chairside Dental Academy

At Chairside Dental Academy, we are committed to empowering the next generation of dental professionals through top-tier education and practical training. Our comprehensive programs offer hands-on clinical experiences, cutting-edge curriculum developed by industry experts, and essential certifications required for employment in the dental field. Whether you’re new to dentistry or looking to elevate your skills, Chairside Dental Academy provides personalized support to guide you every step of the way.

We offer specialized courses such as Dental Assistant Training, 3D Scanner Class, Coronal Polish Prep, and X-Ray Review to ensure you are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to excel. Our programs are designed to meet the highest industry standards, preparing you for a rewarding career in dental healthcare.

Join us, in partnership with Workforce Training Academy USA, and take the first step toward a fulfilling career where your passion for helping others can truly shine!

Our Classroom

Our classroom provides a focused, engaging environment where students can learn the essential knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in dental assisting. Equipped with modern tools, resources, and experienced instructors, our classroom setting offers students the chance to build a strong foundation in dental procedures, patient care, and professional standards.

Our Training Dental Office

Our hands-on training takes place in a real dental office, allowing students to apply their skills in a true clinical setting. This immersive experience helps students gain confidence and practical know-how as they work with actual dental tools, while practicing procedures under the guidance of seasoned professionals.

Understanding the Role of a Dental Assistant

What Does It Mean to be a Dental Assistant?

Dental assistants have an important role and often are responsible for many tasks, primarily directly supporting the dentist during procedures and providing patient care.  This includes educating patients on oral health and ensuring that they feel comfortable during visits and procedures, maintaining patient records, taking X rays, and ensuring a safe, sterile, and efficient environment for both dentists and patients.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Chairside Dental offers coursework and clinical experiences to prepare you to meet the Arizona Dental Assistant Requirements. Unlike some competitors, Chairside Dental helps you every step of the way to earn your Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) state-required credentials, Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Arizona Coronal Polishing (AZCP).

Career Pathways and Earning Potential

The demand for dental assistants is projected to grow faster than the average occupation, with competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement.

Pathway includes: Hygienist, Dental Lab Technician, Dentist, Orthodontist, Endodontist, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon.

Starting pay $20-$30 an hour depending on location and Dental Specialty.

Key Responsibilities of a Dental Assistant

The primary role of the dental assistant is to support both the patient and the dentist by:

  • Preparing patients for dental procedures
  • Sterilizing instruments and maintaining dental equipment
  • Assisting the dentist during procedures by handing instruments, taking X-rays, and using suction devices
  • Providing post-operative care instructions to patients
  • Managing patient records and scheduling appointments
  • Educating patients on oral hygiene practices

By understanding the role and responsibilities of a dental assistant, you can determine if this rewarding career path is the right fit for you.

Our Courses

Select from one of our four course options that fits your career pathway.

Dental Assistant

12-week or 12-day course

3D Scanner

1-day Class

Coronal Polish Prep

2-day Class

X-Ray Review

1-day Class

Classes are limited to a small number of seats, so please register as classes fill up quickly.

Class Schedule Options

Pick a schedule that works best for your busy lifestyle.

12 Saturdays

8:00am to 4:00pm

30 minute lunch break

12 Weeks – Tuesday/Thursday Evenings

5:00pm to 9:00pm

Lecture in classroom on Tuesdays

Clinical on Thursdays

12 Weeks Monday/Wednesday Evenings

5:00pm to 9:00pm

Lecture in classroom on Mondays

Clinical on Wednesdays

12 Day Course

Monday – Friday

8:00am to 4:00pm

30 minute lunch break

100 hours of internship will follow directly after this course.

All Options Require an Internship

100 hours of internship at a Dental Office. 

The Dental Assistant Internship can be completed during or after the Dental Assistant Course.

Dental Assistant Course Outline

Week or Day 1

General Introduction to Dental Terminology, Anatomy, Dental Diseases, Instruments and Equipment, and Specialties in Dentistry.

Week or Day 2

Four-Handed Dentistry, Instrument Transfer, Isolation Techniques, Assistant Position, Hand-piece Maintenance, and Sterilization Procedures.  

Week or Day 3

Radiology Theory and Practice, Radiation Safety, Darkroom Procedures, and Digital X-Rays.

Week or Day 4

Composite Restoration and Instrumentation, Tub and Trays, Cosmetic Bonding, and Alginate Impressions. 

Week or Day 5

Dental Cements and Liners, Orthodontics, and Invisalign.

Week or Day 6

Oral Surgery & Periodontics, Instruments, Materials and Procedures, and Nitrous Oxide Bleach Tray Fabrication.

Midterm Assessment

Week or Day 7

Crown and Bridge Instruments and Materials, Impression Materials, Temporaries, Implants, and CAD/CAM CEREC.

Week or Day 8

Endodontics Instruments, Materials and Procedures, and Job Interview Techniques.

Week or Day 9

Office Management, Front Desk Operation, Appointments, Billing and Insurance, Office Practice, HIPAA, and Other Regulations.

Week or Day 10-12

Final Assessment Clinical and Written.

Lecture on Radiology review all study material provided in this class.

Next step sign up to take the RHS Radiation Health and Safety test at a testing site. Your instructor will guide you on these steps.

We Work With Employers

Do you have an employee that needs upskilling and/or Arizona dental certifications?

Chairside Dental has been training dental assistants since 1995. We offer comprehensive training or individual courses for the DANB Radiation and Health Safety Exam (RHS) and the Arizona Coronal Polishing Certificate (AZCP) with scheduling options that allow your employees flexibility to work and gain needed skills at the same time.

Consider sponsoring your employees into the program today!

FAQ

Does the program teach radiology in order to prepare for the DANB exam (Dental Assistant National Board)?

Yes, our curriculum includes this information to prepare for the DANB exam.  It’s required by law that as a dental assistant, DA, you must be radiology certified to take dental x-rays in an office.

How long is the program?

The Dental Assistant training program is 12 weeks.  We also have a 12 day course option. See below the various schedule options to choose from. 

  • 12 Saturdays
    8:00am to 4:00pm
  • 12 Weeks – Tuesday/Thursday Evenings
    5:00pm to 9:00pm
  • 12 Weeks Monday/Wednesday Evenings
    5:00pm to 9:00pm
  • 12 Day Course – Monday – Friday
    8:00am to 4:00pm

All Options Require an Internship.
100 hours of internship at a Dental office.

The Dental Assistant Internship can be completed during or after the Dental Assistant Course.

What is your tuition to attend your Dental Assistant program?

Tuition cost is $5,500 and includes 1 pair of scrubs, books, the Radiology review class, and 3D Scanner class all to best prepare you to pass the DANB RHS and Coronal Polishing state certifications.

How can I pay for my tuition?

Tuition can be paid in full with a credit card or check, payment plan, or you could qualify for WIOA (Workforce Innovative Opportunity Act) funds.  To see if you quailfy visit www.maricopa.edu/wioa. 

To learn more, call us at (480) 830-3546 or email us at info@chairsidedentalacademy.com.

Is your program offered online?

No, all classes are in person.

What will I be certified to do after attending your program?

At the end of our program our students are awarded with a Certificate of Completion.  This indicates you have successfully finished our course of study.  

How many students are in each class?

We keep the class size small 10 students it provides personalized hands-on training. 

Do you offer classes for dental hygiene?

NO, although if you are waiting to get accepted into a local dental hygiene program, our program would be greatly beneficial to you. You would be able to enter the hygiene program having great dental knowledge already.  

Do you offer an EFDA program?

No.

Can I use credits from your program to utilize in another program?

No. Chairside Dental Academy, LLC is not an accredited program.  We are licensed by the Az State Board of Private Licensed Schools

What is the dress code for class?

Scrubs are required. Closed toe shoes, such as tennis shoes. No sandals. No crocs. 

What about the RHS in the Coronal polishing? When do I get those certifications?

Those certification fees are included in your tuition fee. We will help you schedule those tests while you’re in school. They will be at a testing site called Pearson Vue. This will enable you to have all the qualifications you need in Arizona to ensure that you get the ideal job. 

Is an externship required?

100 hours of externship is required to complete the course. This provides valuable hands-on experience at a dental office. Often times our students will get hired at the externship.

Meet Your Instructor

Hi! My name is Dolores, and I am a proud native of Springerville, Arizona. With a passion for the dental field, I have dedicated my career to this profession since 1992. I have over 30 years of experience in dental assisting, complemented by my certifications in Radiation Health and Safety (RHS), as well as my CDA certification as a dental assistant and my CPAZ coronal polishing certification. For the past 25 years, I have served as an instructor at Chairside Dental Academy, where I take great joy in helping students achieve their goals and realize their potential as dental professionals.
I graduated from Carrington College and have been happily married for 17 years. Together with my amazing 15-year-old daughter, Bella, we cherish our family time, which also includes our two beloved puppies, Matteo and Theo. In my spare time, I enjoy DIY projects, which allows me to express my creativity and love for hands-on activities.
I look forward to continuing my journey in education and making a positive impact in the lives of my students!

Contact Us

Have questions or need assistance? Reach out to our team, and we’ll be happy to help!

Address

3029 N. Alma School Road
Suites 110 & 111
Chandler, AZ 85224

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