Clinical Dental Assistant Certificate Program

Prepare for a career in dental assisting through flexible online learning and hands-on clinical training.

The program provides career-focused training designed to prepare students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to pursue entry-level opportunities in dental assisting. Through a combination of online coursework and hands-on training, students develop skills in patient care, dental procedures, infection control, radiology, clinical practices, and dental office operations.

Program Overview

Dental assistants play an important role in the delivery of quality oral healthcare, working alongside dentists and other dental professionals to support clinical procedures, patient care, and day-to-day practice operations. This accelerated certificate program combines foundational dental assisting education with practical skills development. Students learn about dental terminology, anatomy, clinical procedures, infection control, dental radiology, patient care, and administrative functions commonly encountered in a dental practice. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation for entering the dental field while also preparing them to pursue additional industry credentials and continued professional development.

What You Will Learn

Throughout the program, students develop knowledge and skills in areas including:

Dental terminology and anatomy
Oral health and dental diseases
Dental instruments and equipment
Four-handed dentistry
Infection control and sterilization
Dental radiology and radiation safety
Restorative dental procedures
Dental impressions
Oral surgery
Periodontics and endodontics
Crown and bridge procedures
Patient education and communication
HIPAA and patient privacy
Dental billing and insurance
Dental office operations and professional practices

Program Format

The Clinical Dental Assistant Certificate includes 86 hours of training delivered through a hybrid format:

72 hours of online instruction
14 hours of in-person, hands-on training

Online instruction provides students with the theoretical and technical foundation needed to understand dental assisting practices, while the in-person component provides opportunities to apply those concepts through practical skills training.

This blended approach allows students to develop both the knowledge and hands-on experience important for working in a dental care environment.

Hands-On Skills Development

The in-person portion of the program reinforces skills and concepts introduced during online instruction. Students gain practical exposure to clinical procedures, dental equipment, infection control practices, workplace safety, and other essential dental assisting responsibilities. Hands-on training is designed to help students build confidence and become familiar with the professional expectations of a dental care setting.

Who Should Enroll?

The Clinical Dental Assistant Certificate is designed for individuals interested in beginning a career in oral healthcare. No previous dental assisting experience is required.

The program may be particularly valuable for:

Individuals seeking an entry point into the dental field
Students interested in accelerated career training
Individuals interested in a patient-centered healthcare career
Current dental office employees seeking additional skills and training
Individuals considering future education or careers in dental hygiene, orthodontics, oral surgery, or other areas of oral healthcare

Career Opportunities

Dental assisting can provide a pathway into a variety of oral healthcare environments. Depending on employer requirements, experience, and applicable credentials, dental assistants may pursue opportunities in:

General dental practices
Orthodontic practices
Pediatric dental offices
Periodontal and endodontic practices
Oral and maxillofacial surgery practices
Community and public health dental settings
Other specialty dental practices

The skills developed through the program can also provide a foundation for continued education and advancement within the dental and oral healthcare fields.

Certificate and Industry Credential Preparation

Students who successfully complete all program requirements receive an LMU Extension Clinical Dental Assistant Certificate.

The curriculum also provides preparation for applicable dental assisting industry certification examinations and credentials, allowing students to continue building professional qualifications as they pursue employment and career advancement.

Program Details

Total Program Hours: 86 hours
Online Instruction: 72 hours
Hands-On Training: 14 hours
Format: Hybrid
Experience Required: No previous dental assisting experience required
Credential: LMU Extension Clinical Dental Assistant Certificate

Build the knowledge, practical skills, and professional foundation to pursue opportunities in the dental field.