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The Best Way to Become a Dental Assistant

Arch Dental Academy is affordable, safe, and convenient. Our hybrid dental assisting course is a 11-week blended-learning program that combines the convenience of e-learning with the safety of at-home labs. Start your path towards a new career at Arch!

Affordable

Our program tuition is $2,950. We offer flexible payment plans outlined here that enable you to enroll at minimal upfront cost! Our program provides you with the foundational education needed to become a dental assistant without the financial burden.

Safe

We know that the world’s a changed place due to the pandemic. Now more than ever is the time to practice smart safety measures. Our online program enables you to practice social distancing and learn the foundational material from the safety of your own home. Many Americans are under quarantine. It’s a tragic time; but a great time to work on yourself and develop a new skill set!

We also send our students masks and gloves as an additional safety measure to show our care for your well-being.

Convenient

All of us have different circumstances - busy work schedules, children or family members to take care of, etc. Our hybrid dental assistant program allows you to learn throughout the week through various e-learning modules as well as take-home lab kits! Live, instructor-led sessions occur on Saturdays to review lectures, labs, and any questions you may have - all from the safety and convenience of your home! While we encourage the use of computers for the best educational experience, our programs are designed to be mobile-friendly!

*Please note: simulation activities must be done on a computer

At Arch, our blended learning program has two components: a remote, online lecture portion and in-person training located at one of our regional lab sites. The length and requirements of these components vary by state, so click here for more information on your state’s specific guidelines. The lab training helps to supplement the lecture material, provide valuable in-office experience, and prepare students to meet requirements for dental assistants in their state. The 40-hour externship provides students with the opportunity to gain first-hand practice in a dental office.

*Due to state regulations, residents of Indiana and Arkansas must attend the lab seminar.

You can expect to spend about 3 and 1/2 hours per week on reading, lecture videos, online activities, lab simulations, and quizzes. Your student portal will provide you with the resources needed to complete the program.

Here’s a breakdown of the topics you’ll learn:

  • How to use Personal Protective Equipment
  • Disinfection & Sterilization
  • Moisture Control
  • Dental Anatomy
  • Impressions
  • Tray Setups
  • Radiography and Radiation Safety
  • Dental Specialties and Categories of Dental Procedures
  • Instrument Transfer & Finger Rests
  • Model Trimming
  • Composite Procedures
  • Digital Charting and Dental Coding
  • Crown and Bridge
  • Legal and Workplace Safety and Medical Emergencies
  • Oral Surgery
  • Prosthodontics
  • Endodontics
  • Restorative Dentistry
  • Pediatrics
  • Oral Hygiene & Preventive Dentistry
  • Orthodontics
You can expect to spend about 3 and 1/2 hours per week on reading, lecture videos, online activities, lab simulations, and quizzes. Your student portal will provide you with the resources needed to complete the program.

Here’s some of what’s included in your take-home lab kit:

  • Typodont (or mouth model)
  • Alginate and Impression materials
  • RINN Assembly
  • Basic Instrument Setup

Required Reading

You are required to either purchase or rent the Essentials of Dental Assisting textbook for class. ElSevier can take 3-4 weeks to ship, whereas Amazon offers faster shipping. You may purchase (or rent) your books elsewhere as long as it is the same edition used in the course.

Buy on ElSevier Buy on Amazon

Your Saturday sessions are two-hours of online face-to-face time with your instructor, an experienced, knowledgeable, professional dental assistant! This time will be used to review the lessons you completed during the week, ask any questions you may have, and complete some of the more complex labs with instructor guidance.

Time: 10am-12pm CST or 1pm-3pm CST*

*Times dependent upon selected start date

After you’ve completed your 11-week dental assisting course, we invite you to attend one of our lab seminars offered at regional training facilities!*

*Due to state regulations, residents of Indiana and Arkansas must attend the lab seminar.

Lab is 20 hours in total, consisting of two 10-hour sessions (Saturday and Sunday).

Here’s what we review in lab:

  • Room setup
  • Sterilization
  • Tray setups
  • Moisture control and infection control
  • Radiographs on Dexter head
  • Pouring up and trimming impressions
  • Curing temporary cements and crowns

We will assist you in locating a local CPR training facility!

Apply Now

State Specific Info

Alabama

Course Length: 11 weeks
Lab Locations: Birmingham, AL
Lab Times: 10am-12pm CST or 1pm-3pm CST*
*Times dependent upon selected start date
Regulatory Governing Body: Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education

Grievance Policy: Students must address their concerns about this school or any of its educational programs by following the grievance process outlined in the school’s catalog as follows:

Student grievances should initially be directed to the class instructor. The instructor will take action to either address the concern, or escalate to the director if needed.

If the matter is not resolved by approaching the instructor, a student grievance should then be directed to the school’s director in writing within seven calendar days of the incident. This can be accomplished by sending an email to the attention of the “School Director” to: info@archdentalacademy.com. A response to grievances will be issued by the school director in writing no more than three business days after receipt of the written grievance. Open communication between the student and the school is encouraged in order to resolve the student’s concerns.

Please take a minute to review our Proven Process PDF (Download)

Arkansas

Course Length: 11 weeks
Lab Locations: Little Rock, AR
Lab Times: 10am-12pm CST
Regulatory Governing Body: Arkansas State Board of Private Career Education

Grievance Policy: Students must address their concerns about this school or any of its educational programs by following the grievance process outlined in the school’s catalog as follows:

Student grievances should initially be directed to the class instructor. The instructor will take action to either address the concern, or escalate to the director if needed.

If the matter is not resolved by approaching the instructor, a student grievance should then be directed to the school’s director in writing within seven calendar days of the incident. This can be accomplished by sending an email to the attention of the “School Director” to: info@archdentalacademy.com. A response to grievances will be issued by the school director in writing no more than three business days after receipt of the written grievance. Open communication between the student and the school is encouraged in order to resolve the student’s concerns.

Please take a minute to review our Proven Process PDF (Download)

Arizona

Course Length: 11 weeks
Lab Locations: Phoenix, AZ
Lab Times: 10am-12pm CST or 1pm-3pm CST*
*Times dependent upon selected start date
Regulatory Governing Body: Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education

Grievance Policy: Students must address their concerns about this school or any of its educational programs by following the grievance process outlined in the school’s catalog as follows:

Student grievances should initially be directed to the class instructor. The instructor will take action to either address the concern, or escalate to the director if needed.

If the matter is not resolved by approaching the instructor, a student grievance should then be directed to the school’s director in writing within seven calendar days of the incident. This can be accomplished by sending an email to the attention of the “School Director” to: info@archdentalacademy.com. A response to grievances will be issued by the school director in writing no more than three business days after receipt of the written grievance. Open communication between the student and the school is encouraged in order to resolve the student’s concerns.

If the complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution’s grievance procedure, the student may file a complaint with the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. The student must contact the State board for further details. The State board address is 1400 W. Washington Street, Room 260, Phoenix, AZ 85007, phone #602-542-5709, website address: www.azppse.gov.

Please take a minute to review our Proven Process PDF (Download)

Indiana

Course Length: 11 weeks
Lab Locations: Indianapolis, IN
Lab Times: 10am-12pm ET
Regulatory Governing Body: Indiana Department of Workforce Development

Grievance Policy: Students must address their concerns about this school or any of its educational programs by following the grievance process outlined in the school’s catalog as follows:

Student grievances should initially be directed to the class instructor. The instructor will take action to either address the concern, or escalate to the director if needed.

If the matter is not resolved by approaching the instructor, a student grievance should then be directed to the school’s director in writing within seven calendar days of the incident. This can be accomplished by sending an email to the attention of the “School Director” to: info@archdentalacademy.com. A response to grievances will be issued by the school director in writing no more than three business days after receipt of the written grievance. Open communication between the student and the school is encouraged in order to resolve the student’s concerns.

This institution is regulated by:
Indiana Department of Workforce Development
Office for Career and Technical Schools
10 N Senate Avenue, Suite SE 308
Indianapolis IN 46204
OCTS@dwd.in.gov
Website
317-234-8338 or 317-232-1732

Please take a minute to review our Proven Process PDF (Download)

Louisiana

Course Length: 11 weeks
Lab Locations: Baton Rouge, LA
Lab Times: 10am-12pm CST or 1pm-3pm CST*
*Times dependent upon selected start date
Regulatory Governing Body: Louisiana Board of Regents

Grievance Policy: Student complaints relative to actions of school officials shall be addressed to the Louisiana Board of Regents, Proprietary Schools Section, PO Box 3677, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3677, Phone 225-342-7084, only after the student has unsuccessfully attempted to resolve the matter with the school after having first filed a written and signed complaint with the school’s officials.

New Mexico

Course Length: 11 weeks
Lab Locations: Albuquerque, NM
Lab Times: 10am-12pm MST or 1pm-3pm MST*
*Times dependent upon selected start date
Regulatory Governing Body: Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education

Grievance Policy: Any student grievances should be sent directly to the administrative staff via the phone and email listed on the school website (info@archdentalacademy.com, Subject: School Director). Students must first seek to resolve a grievance with the school. No adverse action will be taken against a student who makes a complaint to the school. An impartial staff member will investigate and resolve student complaints within a reasonable time, and staff will resolve all complaints within five business days of receipt of the complaint, unless the circumstances require a longer time frame.

Any unresolved grievances may be sent to:
New Mexico Higher Education Department
2044 Galisteo Street, Suite 4
Santa Fe, NM 87505-2100
Phone: 505-476-8400; Website

Please take a minute to review our Proven Process PDF (Download)

North Carolina

Course Length: 12 weeks
Lab Locations: Raleigh, NC
Lab Times: 10am-12pm EST or 1pm-3pm EST*
*Times dependent upon selected start date
Regulatory Governing Body: Licensed by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges. The North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges is not an accrediting agency.

Grievance Policy: Students must address their concerns about this school or any of its educational programs by following the grievance process outlined in the school’s catalog as follows:

Student grievances should initially be directed to the class instructor. The instructor will take action to either address the concern, or escalate to the director if needed.

If the matter is not resolved by approaching the instructor, a student grievance should then be directed to the school’s director in writing within seven calendar days of the incident. This can be accomplished by sending an email to the attention of the “School Director” to: info@archdentalacademy.com. A response to grievances will be issued by the school director in writing no more than three business days after receipt of the written grievance. Open communication between the student and the school is encouraged in order to resolve the student’s concerns.

Please take a minute to review our Proven Process PDF (Download)

Texas

Course Length: 11 weeks
Lab Locations: El Paso, TX; Houston, TX; Lubbock, TX; San Antonio, TX; Tyler, TX; Austin, TX; Dallas, TX
Lab Times: 10am-12pm CST or 1pm-3pm CST*
*Times dependent upon selected start date
Regulatory Governing Body: Texas Workforce Commission

Grievance Policy: This school has a Certificate of Approval from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).

Students must address their concerns about this school or any of its educational programs by following the grievance process outlined in the school’s catalog. Schools are responsible for ensuring and documenting that all students have received a copy of the school’s grievance procedures and for describing these procedures in the school’s published catalog. If, as a student, you were not provided with this information, please inform the school’s administrative staff. Students dissatisfied with this school’s response to their complaint or who are not able to file a complaint with the school can file a formal complaint with TWC, as well as with other relevant agencies or accreditors, if applicable.

Information on filing a complaint with TWC can be found on TWC’s website at: www.texasworkforce.org/careerschoolstudents

Complaints may be directed to the school via email: info@archdentalacademy.com.

Please take a minute to review our Proven Process PDF (Download)

Washington

Course Length: 11 weeks
Lab Locations: Seattle, WA
Lab Times: 10am-12pm CST or 1pm-3pm PST*
*Times dependent upon selected start date
Regulatory Governing Body: Washington Workforce Board

Grievance Policy: Students must address their concerns about this school or any of its educational programs by following the grievance process outlined in the school’s catalog as follows:

Student grievances should initially be directed to the class instructor. The instructor will take action to either address the concern, or escalate to the director if needed.

If the matter is not resolved by approaching the instructor, a student grievance should then be directed to the school’s director in writing within seven calendar days of the incident. This can be accomplished by sending an email to the attention of the “School Director” to: info@archdentalacademy.com. A response to grievances will be issued by the school director in writing no more than three business days after receipt of the written grievance. Open communication between the student and the school is encouraged in order to resolve the student’s concerns.

If the complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution’s grievance procedure, the student may file a complaint with the Washington Workforce Board at (360) 709-4600 at any time with a concern or complaint.

Please take a minute to review our Proven Process PDF (Download)

Georgia

Course Length: 11 weeks
Lab Locations: Atlanta, GA
Lab Times: 10am-12pm CST or 1pm-3pm PST*
*Times dependent upon selected start date
Regulatory Governing Body: Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission

Grievance Policy: Students must address their concerns about this school or any of its educational programs by following the grievance process outlined in the school’s catalog as follows:

Student grievances should initially be directed to the class instructor. The instructor will take action to either address the concern, or escalate to the director if needed.

If the matter is not resolved by approaching the instructor, a student grievance should then be directed to the school’s director in writing within seven calendar days of the incident. This can be accomplished by sending an email to the attention of the “School Director” to: info@archdentalacademy.com. A response to grievances will be issued by the school director in writing no more than three business days after receipt of the written grievance. Open communication between the student and the school is encouraged in order to resolve the student’s concerns.

If the complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution’s grievance procedure, the student may file a complaint with the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission at (770) 414-3300 at any time with a concern or complaint.

Please take a minute to review our Proven Process PDF (Download)