Dental Assisting

Dental Assisting

Certificate

In just one semester, you can earn a certificate as a Dental Assistant and become an important part of the team in a dentist’s office, public health agency or other dental industry setting.

Request more information

You will assist the dentist chair-side, expose and develop X-rays, maintain infection control, and perform lab procedures.

The program is offered at the Legacy Foundation Allied Health Sciences Building, a state-of-the-art clinical lab and classroom facility on the College’s Bullhead City campus.

Dental assistant may be your lifetime career, or this introduction to the field of dental health services may entice you to go on to become a dental hygienist or a dentist. Regardless of your path, you will be helping people of all ages maintain their overall health through good dental care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a dental assistant do?

Dental assistants are essential members of the dental team who support dentists and hygienists in providing high-quality patient care. They prepare patients for treatment, assist during procedures, take dental X-rays, sterilize instruments, manage records, and help keep the dental office running efficiently.

Why choose a career in dental assisting?

Dental assisting is a rewarding and in-demand career that blends patient care, clinical skills, and professionalism. Graduates can work in general and specialty dental practices, public health clinics, or other healthcare settings. Many dental assistants also use their experience as a foundation to advance into dental hygiene, office management, or dental school.

What will I learn in the program?

At Mohave College, students gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills, including:
*Chairside assisting and dental procedures
*Dental radiography (X-rays)
*Infection control and sterilization protocols
*Dental materials and instruments
*Dental anatomy and oral health education
*Patient communication and professional ethics

Training includes classroom instruction, virtual simulation, lab practice, and real-world clinical experiences. 

How long does the program take to complete?

The Dental Assisting program at Mohave College is completed in one semester. The program is designed to prepare students for immediate employment upon graduation.

How do I apply to the Mohave College Dental Assisting Program?

Start by completing the Mohave College application and selecting Dental Assisting as your program of interest.  Our admissions and program staff are ready to help you with prerequisites, application steps, and preparing for your new career.

Can I take one course at a time?

No, the program is designed to be completed in one, full-time semester.

What are the admission requirements?

Applicants generally need to:
*Have a high school diploma or GED and be college ready
*Meet required immunization and health standards by the eight week of classes
*Hold current CPR certification (or complete it during the program)
*Submit a completed application

Contact the Mohave College Dental Assisting program office for the most up-to-date application details and deadlines.

Will my Mohave College Certificate in Dental Assisting help me be accepted into the College Dental Hygiene program?

Yes, the application criteria for dental hygiene awards additional points for graduates of the College’s dental assisting program. However, dental hygiene applicants must complete 21 credit hours of prerequisite coursework before they are eligible to apply. All prerequisite courses are available at Mohave College. With the exception of three courses, the dental assisting program coursework will not transfer to the dental hygiene program. Successful completion of DAE 111 Dental Radiology and DAE 112 Dental Radiology Lab, and DAE128 Dental Specialties and Materials meets the dental hygiene program requirements for radiology and dental materials.

Does the program include clinical or internship experience?

Yes! Students participate in supervised clinical internship experiences at local dental offices and clinics.  The placements give students valuable hands-on experience, professional networking opportunities, and a chance to apply their classroom learning in real-world settings. 

Can I work while I’m a student in the Dental Assisting program?

The status of a dental assisting student is considered full-time. It is strongly recommended that a student not work more than 10-15 hours per week while school is in session. Academic demands such as class and lab time, commuting, homework, study time and clinical assignments require about 40-50 hours per week.

Is class attendance mandatory?

Class attendance is strongly encouraged. The fast pace of this program does not allow for missed classes and labs to be made up without disrupting the schedule of the entire program.

What are the potential earnings for a Dental Assistant?

According to a 2024 Dental Assistant National Board (DANB) survey, dental assistants can earn an average of $23.17 per hour in Arizona.  In Mohave County, trained dental assistants can expect to enjoy an average hourly pay of $18.85. Demand for trained dental assistants is very high in Mohave County.

Will I be eligible for certification after graduation?

Graduates of the Mohave College Dental Assisting program take the National Entry-Level Dental Assistant exam offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Successful completion of this exam includes X-ray certification required by Arizona.  Licensing or certification requirements vary by state, so students should review dental board regulations for details.

What types of jobs can I get after completing the program?

Dental assistants are employed in:
*General and specialty dental practices
*Public health and community dental clinics
*Dental schools or research settings
*Dental insurance companies or product sales

What financial aid options do I have for the Dental Assisting program?

Financial aid in the form of grants and loans may be available to assist students with the costs of this program. Students who are interested should apply for aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if they qualify. This form is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or at your local College campuses. Financial Aid advisors are available on each campus to work with students individually to assist students through the application process.

What qualities make a good dental assistant?

Successful dental assistants are dependable, compassionate, and detail-oriented. They communicate well, enjoy helping others, and work effectively as part of a healthcare team. A professional attitude and a caring approach make all the difference in patient care.