Dental Assistant Certificate

If you want a stable career in health care that makes a real difference, becoming a Dental Assistant is a smart choice. At Central Penn College, you can earn your Dental Assistant certificate in only 9 months, which is just three terms of course work. This fast, focused program is designed to help you enter the dental field quickly with the skills employers are looking for.

Dental Assistants are key members of the dental health care team. They work closely with dentists and patients to help prevent pain, tooth loss, gum disease, and other serious dental issues.

At Central Penn College, our Dental Assisting training offers some of the most practical, relevant, and up-to-date education available in Central Pennsylvania. Whether you are starting a new career or looking for a fresh start, Dental Assisting offers strong earning potential and many opportunities to grow.

What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

Dental Assistants support dentists and help dental offices run smoothly. They work closely with patients and dental professionals every day.

As a trained Dental Assistant, you may:

• Greet patients and help them feel comfortable
• Prepare patients for dental procedures
• Assist dentists during exams and treatments
• Use suction tools during procedures
• Clean and sterilize dental instruments
• Prepare treatment rooms and work areas
• Take and process dental X-rays
• Schedule patient appointments
• Handle billing, payments, and insurance paperwork
• Manage and maintain patient records

This mix of hands-on care and office work makes Dental Assisting a rewarding and active career.

Dental Assisting Training That Fits Your Life

Central Penn College’s Dental Assisting program is designed to help you enter the workforce quickly while still receiving quality training. You will complete six courses over three terms, allowing you to finish the program in as little as nine months.

Your Dental Assistant training includes:

• Practical instruction based on today’s dental office standards
• Coursework that reflects current dental tools and procedures
• Training for both chairside assisting and dental office tasks

In addition to classroom learning, students complete a minimum of 240 hours of clinical externship experience. This hands-on training takes place in a real dental setting, helping you build confidence and job-ready skills.

Why Choose Central Penn College for Dental Assisting?

Central Penn College focuses on career training that leads to real jobs. Our Dental Assisting program is built around practical skills and employer needs.

When you train as a Dental Assistant at Central Penn College, you gain:

• Career-focused education
• Real clinical experience before graduation
• Support from instructors who care about your success
• A faster path into a growing health care field

Dental Assistant Full & Partial Scholarships

Central Penn College offers a variety of full and partial scholarships to help aspiring dental professionals achieve their educational goals. These scholarships aim to reduce the financial burden associated with higher education, making careers in dentistry more accessible. Potential dental students are able to fill out one very simple application for all dental scholarships.

Working to make your Dental Assistant Certificate more affordable!

Dental program students can also apply for Central Penn College’s innovative housing scholarship. This allows students to affordably live on campus while completing their studies. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Assisting

How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant?

At Central Penn College, you can complete your Dental Assistant training in as little as 9 months. The program consists of three terms and six courses, allowing you to gain job-ready skills in a short amount of time.

Does the Dental Assisting program include hands-on experience?

Yes. In addition to classroom learning, students complete a minimum of 240 clinical externship hours. This hands-on experience takes place in real dental offices and helps students apply what they learn while building confidence and professional experience.

What kind of jobs can I get as a Dental Assistant?

Graduates of the Dental Assisting program are prepared to work in dental offices, clinics, and other dental health care settings. Dental Assistants are in demand and play an important role in patient care and office operations.

Program offered

On-ground

Courses

Careers you can pursue

• Dental Assistant

You will succeed if you are...

• Friendly 
• Detail-oriented
• Meticulous
• Organized
• Good at working with your hands  
• Patient
• Compassionate