What can you do in 13 weeks?
Dental Assisting Program Curriculum
At the American Institute of Dental Assisting, we believe that a dental assisting program is more than certification. Curriculum and coursework must prepare you with the real-world skills and confidence you need to succeed from the very first day of your new career.
Our dental assistant training program clearly outlines how we transform students into job-ready professionals in just 13 weeks.
A Dental Assistant Education Designed for Your Success
Our dental assistant curriculum is built on a simple yet powerful philosophy. The skills you learn at our school of higher learning directly translate to success in the workplace. Every element of our 13-week program is designed to be both accelerated and comprehensive, focusing on the essential skills and real-world knowledge that the dental field demands, including:
Our accelerated program works because we’ve trimmed the filler to focus on the essential clinical and administrative skills that are 100% relevant to your future job.
Your instructors are practicing dentists and experienced professionals with specialized knowledge in dental assisting, showing you firsthand what it takes to succeed in this truly immersive experience.
We prioritize real experience over hypotheticals. Instead of practicing on plastic dummies, you are immersed in an actual clinical setting. This hands-on approach is the fastest way to build confidence and competence.
As part of your regular coursework, you will sit chairside and assist your instructors in performing procedures on live patients. The combination of classroom learning and live patient clinics ensures you graduate with applicable hands-on skills.
An exciting career change can happen today!
What You’ll Learn
According to the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), all dental assistants in Arizona must operate under the direct supervision of a licensed dental therapist or licensed dentist.
Modules for Dental Assistant Certification
Our curriculum is carefully structured into key modules, each designed to prepare you for a successful career as a dental assistant. Let’s explore some of the dental assistant education covered during our 13-week program.
Every successful career begins with a strong foundation. Our initial coursework covers the core scientific and safety principles that every dental assistant must master, including:
- Fundamentals of dental anatomy and physiology
- Infection control protocols
- Equipment sterilization and maintenance
This essential training ensures you know how to maintain a safe and professional environment for patients and staff.
According to the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), every dental assistant in Arizona must operate under the supervision of a licensed dentist. At the American Institute of Dental Assisting, you’ll work chairside with a real dentist from the start, learning the art of dental procedure assistance. Our instructors run through real-world scenarios, teaching you how to think on your feet and adapt when a procedure doesn’t go as planned.
Most importantly, you will master the flow of the dental office, including proper instrument transfer and working with a variety of dental materials. Your hands-on training will include assisting in a wide range of procedures, such as:
- Basic dental techniques
- Taking impressions
- Clinical restorations like fillings
- Advanced clinical restorations like crowns
The modern dental office relies on technology. Our coursework helps you enter the job market as a tech-savvy dental assistant, giving you a distinct competitive advantage.
Receive hands-on training with the latest software and equipment, including:
- Dentrix for patient management and charting
- Intraoral digital scanners
- Digital X-ray units
Beyond exposure to these tools, our coursework also prepares you to take the coronal polishing and DANB X-ray certification tests.
Being a top-tier dental assistant is about more than technical proficiency. A well-rounded professional dental assistant must also master patient care and administrative support. You will learn the best practices for interacting with both staff and patients, from assisting with new patient exams to providing clear and helpful dental hygiene advice.
Our training also covers critical administrative duties, including:
- Patient charting
- Managing records
- Scheduling appointments
We understand that the primary goal of your education is to launch a successful career. That’s why we offer comprehensive job placement support as a core part of our curriculum, before graduation and throughout your entire career. You will receive dedicated coaching on essential job-seeking skills, such as:
- Professional resume building
- Interview skills
- Networking
- Getting externships
Our Local Campuses
Our dental assistant education programs take place at both of our Arizona facilities. We will match you with the location nearest to you — either Phoenix or Mesa — so you can attend class with minimal disruption to your daily life. Reach out to our locations if you’d like to schedule a visit or tour.
American Institute of Dental
Assisting Mesa Campus
2500 S. Power Rd.
Suite 127
Mesa, AZ 85209
Phone: 480-209-1392
American Institute of Dental
Assisting Phoenix Campus
2421 W. Peoria Ave.
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85029
Phone: 480-209-1392
Learn More About Our Hands-On
Dental Assisting Curriculum
At AIDA, our comprehensive curriculum for becoming a dental assistant prepares you from the moment you graduate. It’s time to take your first step toward a successful career today. Call 480-209-1392 to speak with a member of our team. You can also apply online to begin your future right now.