Are you dreaming of a healthcare career but hesitant to spend years in school or rack up student debt? If becoming a dental assistant interests you, here’s some great news — you can start this rewarding career path without stepping foot in a traditional classroom.
Yes, you read that right. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to become a dental assistant without going to school in the traditional sense. That means no packed lecture halls, no endless commutes, and no rigid class schedules. Instead, you’ll discover how to get the right training, earn your certification, and even gain hands-on experience — all on your own time and budget.
Let’s dive in!
First Things First: Training is Still Required
Before we get into the steps, let’s clear up one big misconception. When people hear “become a dental assistant without school,” they often assume it means no training at all. That’s absolutely not the case.
Even if you skip a traditional college, you still need proper education to succeed in this field. Dental assistants must understand:
- Dental procedures
- Tools, instruments, and materials
- Patient care practices
- Proper sterilization and infection control
This isn’t a job you can just walk into with no preparation. However, the exciting part is that you don’t need to attend a two-year college program to learn these skills. You can get the same high-quality education — faster and for less — by going a different route.
Step 1: Enroll in Online Dental Assistant Training
Traditional dental assistant programs often take 12 to 18 months and can cost tens of thousands of dollars. But with the rise of online education, there are now reputable programs that let you complete your dental assistant training in as little as 3 to 4 months — and for a fraction of the cost.
These programs are often:
- 100% online
- Self-paced
- Designed for adult learners with busy schedules
- Priced under $2,000 (sometimes even less!)
Many include video lessons, digital textbooks, and interactive modules. You’ll learn all the theory you need and be ready to move to the next step: certification.
Step 2: Get Certified Through the DANB
Once you’ve completed your online training, the next big milestone is earning your certification. In many states, employers prefer or even require dental assistants to be certified.
One widely accepted certification is the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification, offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
Certification benefits include:
- Better job opportunities — many dental offices prefer certified assistants
- Higher salary potential
- A competitive edge over other candidates
Online dental assistant training programs often include prep materials or practice exams to help you succeed on the test. Passing this exam demonstrates your competency and proves to employers that you’re serious and skilled.
Step 3: Gain Hands-On Experience
Here’s where many people get stuck: How do you gain hands-on experience if you’re not in a traditional program with clinical hours?
Luckily, there are practical solutions:
1. Externships
Some online dental assistant programs offer optional externships, where they partner with local dental offices to give students real-life experience. You get the opportunity to shadow professionals, assist with tasks, and build confidence in a real-world setting.
2. Job Placement Assistance
Many programs now provide career services, helping you connect with dental practices that are open to hiring entry-level assistants. These offices often offer on-the-job training as you gain experience.
3. Volunteering
If externships or direct job placements aren’t available, consider volunteering at clinics, dental outreach programs, or nonprofit healthcare centers. It’s a great way to build experience, network, and strengthen your resume.
4. Apply Directly for Entry-Level Positions
Many dental offices are open to training promising new assistants, especially those who are certified and motivated. When you apply, highlight your online education, certification, and willingness to learn.
The Advantages of Skipping Traditional School
Here’s why more and more people are choosing to become dental assistants without going through years of formal education:
✅ Save Time
You could be fully trained, certified, and working in less than six months — not two years.
✅ Save Money
Online training costs significantly less than campus-based programs. You’ll avoid expensive tuition, housing, transportation, and other fees.
✅ Learn at Your Own Pace
Online programs offer flexibility, so you can study when it works best for you — whether that’s early mornings, lunch breaks, or late nights after the kids are in bed.
✅ Avoid Student Debt
Since many programs are under $2,000, you may be able to pay as you go or avoid loans altogether.
What to Look For in an Online Dental Assistant Program
Not all online training is created equal. To make sure you’re getting the best value (and proper education), look for programs that are:
- Accredited or recognized by dental boards or healthcare organizations
- Offer certification exam preparation
- Include hands-on opportunities like externships or job placement help
- Are transparent about pricing and have good student reviews
- Provide student support for technical issues, tutoring, or career advice
Why Choose Preppy’s 12-Week Program?
With so many options for dental assistant training, why choose Preppy? Let’s break down what makes this program special.
100% Online and Self-Paced
Preppy’s program is entirely online, which means you can complete your training from the comfort of your own home. Whether you prefer studying in your living room or at your favorite coffee shop, you’ll have the flexibility to learn at your own pace. There’s no need to commute to a physical campus, and you won’t have to adhere to rigid class schedules. If you have a busy life with work or family obligations, this program allows you to fit your education around your personal commitments.
The self-paced nature of the program means that you could complete your training as quickly as you’d like. Many students finish the program in as little as 12 weeks, while others take a little longer, depending on their personal schedule. You’ll have access to the course materials for a full year, giving you the freedom to revisit lessons whenever necessary.
University-Accredited Certificate
As mentioned earlier, Preppy’s online dental assistant program offers more than just dental assistant training—it provides you with a certificate of completion from Auburn, a prestigious, accredited university. This university backing gives your credentials an extra layer of credibility, which can be invaluable in a competitive job market.
Preparation for DANB Certification
Preppy’s program is laser-focused on preparing you for the DANB’s NELDA certification exams. You’ll receive targeted training in anatomy, infection control, and radiation safety, ensuring that you’re well-prepared for the certification process. Passing these exams will allow you to add the NELDA credential to your resume, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.
Hands-On Externship Experience
Unlike many online programs that leave students to figure out clinical experience on their own, Preppy includes an externship opportunity as part of the online dental assistant program. This externship opportunity is coordinated for you, placing you in a local dental office where you can gain the practical, hands-on experience that employers value.
Externships are available nationwide, so no matter where you live, Preppy can help you find a placement that suits your needs. This experience is invaluable for building your skills and making you a more competitive candidate in the job market.
Also read: How to Become an EKG Technician Without Going to School
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, who’s work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
Time is money. Instead of programs that could take 2 years, Preppy provides you education in a few months through immersive online training.
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