Dental Assisting Program

Dental assistants support dentists with patient procedures, sterilize and prepare instruments,
manage patient records and advise patients on proper dental hygiene.
Here are some things a dentist assistant is trained to do:

Here are some things you may do:

• Instruct patients on proper dental hygiene
• Assist with and prepare for dental procedures
• Obtain and update patient records
• Prepare impressions and restorations
• Administer and process x-rays ¹

¹ California Employment Development Department Detailed Guide, Dental Assistants in California

Dental assistants and dental hygienists both support patient care, but their roles focus on different responsibilities. Dental assistants help chairside with procedures, prepare treatment rooms, assist with instruments, and support administrative tasks. Dental hygienists focus primarily on preventive oral care, such as cleaning teeth and educating patients on oral hygiene.

Dental assistants complete a shorter training program (as little as 10 months at ACC) focused on clinical and administrative support in dental settings. Dental hygienists generally follow a longer educational pathway, often requiring three to four years of education at the associate or bachelor’s level, depending on the program and state requirements. 

If you’re looking for a quicker entry into the dental field, dental assisting may be the right path for you.

If you love working with people and you’re good at making them feel at ease, you might enjoy
being a dental assistant.

Here are some of the top skills and attributes that make for a great dental assistant:

Active listening – Dental assistants need to be able to communicate with both patients and dentists, understanding what is being said and asking the right questions.

Instructing – Dental assistants should be able to educate patients on oral health, delivering information in a way that’s easy to understand and easy to remember.

Service orientation – A great dental assistant is one with a passion for helping patients and for providing the best care possible.

Social perceptiveness – Dental assistants should be aware and understanding of patients’ reactions in order to provide the best possible patient-centered care.

Critical thinking – A dental assistants’ ability to make sound decisions can help them provide optimal care for each individual patient.

Dental assistants can work in a variety of settings, including:

• Dentists’ offices
• Outpatient care centers
• Physicians’ offices¹

¹National Center for ONET Development. (2025). Dental Assistants (31-9091.00). ONET OnLine. https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/31-9091.00

The Dental Assisting curriculum is divided into learning units called modules. Each core module stands alone and is not dependent upon previous training. Upon successful completion of the classroom and laboratory training, the ACC curriculum then provides you with hands-on experience through a 180-hour externship that will be arranged for you at an appropriate dental facility.

Class modules for the American Career College Dental Assisting program include:

• Fundamentals of Dental Assisting – Course material in this module examines the anatomy and physiology of the head and neck as it relates to the practice of dentistry. You will also be introduced to the roles and responsibilities of various members of the dental health team and the expected levels of professionalism in this profession.
• Science of Dentistry – In these courses, you will be introduced to the basic concepts and principles of microbiology as it pertains to dentistry. Special emphasis will be placed on the proper methods and ramifications of infection control issues including OSHA regulations and the disease transmission process. Periodontics theory and practice will also be addressed.
• Restorative Dentistry/Pharmacology – Coursework in this module is designed to introduce you to various materials and instrumentation. You will be exposed to the use and care of the Caries Detection Device. Pharmacology and drugs as they relate to dentistry will also be discussed.
• Laboratory Procedures/Prosthodontics – This module is designed to analyze programs and procedures for meeting the needs of diverse populations. You will be exposed to and practice with a variety of impression materials as well as producing primary impressions. Theory and practice of permanent and removable prosthodontics will also be presented.
• Pediatric Dentistry/Orthodontics – Theory and practice in orthodontics will be introduced in these courses. Emphasis is placed on both the preventive and restorative techniques in pediatric/operative dentistry.
• CPR/Preventive Dentistry – In this module, you will be exposed to the principles and practices of preventing and controlling dental disease with emphasis on nutrition and plaque control. You will receive basic training in standard first aid and in recognizing and dealing with medical emergencies. Exposure to sealant materials in the field of preventive dentistry will also be discussed.
• Endodontics/Radiography – Basic principles of dental radiology are the focus of these courses. Emphasis will be placed on operation of the x-ray equipment, safety practices, mounting and evaluation of dental films. Once you have fulfilled the necessary program requirements, you will receive a state certificate to perform x-rays in the dental office.
• Oral Surgery/Anesthetics – These courses are designed to introduce you to surgical procedures performed in dentistry. You will also be exposed to the various methods and techniques of anesthesia.
• Dental Assisting School Externship – Under the direct supervision of qualified personnel at your school externship site, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills presented and practiced throughout the training program. You will be evaluated by supervisory personnel, and those evaluations will be placed in your permanent student record.

For a complete description of coursework in these modules, please refer to the ACC Catalog.

Students can earn their Dental Assistant diploma in as little as 10 months. The program features a blended format with 2 days in class and the rest online. Weekend classes are available at all three campuses: Los Angeles, Ontario, and Anaheim.

Our admissions advisors and financial aid advisors are here to support you. They can help you figure out the dental assistant school cost and help you explore financial aid. To learn more about ACC’s Dental Assistant program cost, access our tuition info.

Yes, financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.

Yes! ACC's Dental Assisting program includes a 180-hour externship which gives students the
opportunity to demonstrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills they acquired learning
hands-on throughout the training program