Why This Matters
-
75% OF EMPLOYERS PREFER CANDIDATES WITH POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION
According to O*NET, 75% of dental assistant roles require a post-secondary certificate or associate degree. Completing an online certificate in dental assistance makes you more appealing to employers.
-
JOB OPPORTUNITIES INCREASING 7% BY 2028
Improved understanding of the link between dental and overall health is increasing demand for dental services. Job opportunities for dental assistants are expected to grow faster than the average across all occupations, equating to roughly 23,400 new jobs by 2028.
-
EARN AROUND $44,940 PER YEAR
The median annual salary for dental assistants is $41,180, and the top 10% could earn more than $58,390 per year. Completing an online certification program may increase your earning potential.
Our Research
Our list focuses on online programs that award a professional certificate in dental assisting or dental office administrative assisting. Many programs are online-only, while some courses also include a medical externship where you can practice your skills under supervision.
Many of the listed courses are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). CODA ensures the quality of dental education programs and drives continuous improvement. Other programs carry regional or national accreditation from independent bodies that verify their quality. Regionally accredited courses allow you to transfer credits more readily and are more commonly recognized.
- 52 hours to write this article
- 26 universities and colleges we assessed
- 41 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Online Certificate in Dental Assistance Programs
intelligent score 97.8
Award
Intelligent Pick
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Intelligent Pick
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Certificate in Dental Assisting
Required Credits to Graduate
30 credits
Department School of Dentistry
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $293.16 per credit; Non-Resident: $1,015.90 per credit
accreditation
Commission on Dental Accreditation.
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
317-274-7801
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Certificate in Dental Assisting
Required Credits to Graduate
30 credits
intelligent score 96.85
Award
Best in the Northeast
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best in the Northeast
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Dental Assisting Rapid Track
Required Credits to Graduate
15 credits
Department School of Health Sciences & Physical Wellness
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $196 per credit; Non-Resident: $392 per credit
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
585-292-2200
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Dental Assisting Rapid Track
Required Credits to Graduate
15 credits
intelligent score 93.33
Award
Best for Exam Prep
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best for Exam Prep
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Dental Assisting Certificate
Required Credits to Graduate
27 credits
Department School of Health Sciences
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $200 per credit; Non-Resident: $400 per credit
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
518-629-7309
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Dental Assisting Certificate
Required Credits to Graduate
27 credits
intelligent score 93.19
Award
Most Affordable
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Most Affordable
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Dental Assistant Training
Required Credits to Graduate
9 courses
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$724 program cost
accreditation
International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
480-947-6644
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Dental Assistant Training
Required Credits to Graduate
9 courses
intelligent score 85.87
Award
Best Start Dates
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Start Dates
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Administrative Dental Assistant
Required Credits to Graduate
150 hours
Department Center for Continuing Professional Development
Estimated Cost per Credit
$2,285 program cost
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
848-932-4708
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Administrative Dental Assistant
Required Credits to Graduate
150 hours
intelligent score 83.85
Award
Best in the Midwest
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best in the Midwest
Delivery Format
Hybrid
Programs
Dental Assisting DAS.S.STC
Required Credits to Graduate
17 credits
Department Division of Health Sciences
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $173.28 per credit; Non-Resident: $329.40 per credit
accreditation
Commission on Dental Accreditation
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
937-512-3675
Delivery Format
Hybrid
Programs
Dental Assisting DAS.S.STC
Required Credits to Graduate
17 credits
intelligent score 79.54
Award
Best Technical School
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Technical School
Delivery Format
Hybrid
Programs
Dental Assisting -" Certified E-Degree
Required Credits to Graduate
44.5 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$121 per credit
accreditation
Commission on Dental Accreditation
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
605-882-5284
Delivery Format
Hybrid
Programs
Dental Assisting -" Certified E-Degree
Required Credits to Graduate
44.5 credits
intelligent score 77.53
Award
Best in the South
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best in the South
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Dental Office Assistant
Required Credits to Graduate
7 courses
Department Madison School of Healthcare
Estimated Cost per Credit
$799 program cost
accreditation
Distance Education Accrediting Commission
more program informationEmail:
Phone:
800-957-5412
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Dental Office Assistant
Required Credits to Graduate
7 courses
intelligent score 68.96
Award
Best Large Public University
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Large Public University
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Administrative Dental Assistant
Required Credits to Graduate
15 credits
Department Center for Continuing Education & Hotel
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,795 program cost
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-811-6640
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Administrative Dental Assistant
Required Credits to Graduate
15 credits
intelligent score 67.39
Award
Best Externship
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Externship
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Dental Assistant Program with Clinical Externship
Required Credits to Graduate
140 hours
Department Applied Business & Technology Center
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,199 program cost
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
713-221-8032
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Dental Assistant Program with Clinical Externship
Required Credits to Graduate
140 hours
intelligent score 66.77
Award
Best HBCU
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best HBCU
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Dental Office Administrative Assistant
Required Credits to Graduate
60 hours
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,299 program cost
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
336-334-7946
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Dental Office Administrative Assistant
Required Credits to Graduate
60 hours
intelligent score 66.02
Award
Best Concentration Options
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Concentration Options
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Dental Assisting
Required Credits to Graduate
45 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $165.50 per credit; Non-Resident: $227.50 per credit
accreditation
American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
314-539-5002
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Dental Assisting
Required Credits to Graduate
45 credits
intelligent score 65.99
Award
Best for Articulation
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best for Articulation
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Dental Assistant
Required Credits to Graduate
6 courses
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,299 program cost
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
903-823-3012
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Dental Assistant
Required Credits to Graduate
6 courses
Discover More Options
What You Should Know About This Program
Most of the courses on our list are online certification programs in dental assistance, where you’ll learn how to perform and assist with dental procedures and provide administrative support. Alternatively, you can choose to study for a dental administrative assistant qualification.
Students looking for an online certificate in dental assistance program should select a course accredited by CODA or another national or regional accrediting body. The advantage of accredited courses is stricter quality control and wider recognition by employers.
The job outlook for qualified dental assistants is strong, with a projected job increase of 7% by 2028. This rapid growth reflects the growing understanding of the importance of good dental health for overall well-being.
Some states require dental assistants to complete an accredited training course and take a test before entering the workforce. Whatever the rules in your state, achieving certification can make you a more attractive job candidate.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online certificate in dental assistance programs:
- How long does it take to complete this online program? Most online dental assisting programs take around a year to complete. However, this timeframe can vary depending on whether you study part-time or full-time. Some programs allow you to study for a further year to earn an Associate of Science degree.
- Am I eligible for this program? Entry requirements for the courses on this list vary, and many providers require proof of a high school diploma or GED. Some also have an entrance test to check that you have the study skills necessary to cope with independent online learning.
When you’re shortlisting courses, make sure that you know when the application deadlines are and have all the necessary documents ready to submit. You can determine the requirements for each course by checking the institution’s website or emailing the admissions department.
You should also make sure that you have the means to finance your course. Take care to meet any financial aid application deadlines and research alternative funding sources such as employer benefits.