The demand for qualified dental assistants is on the rise across Utah, especially in the Provo area. With a growing and aging population seeking quality oral healthcare, now is an excellent time to launch a rewarding career as a dental assistant. By completing training at an accredited dental assisting program in Provo, you can gain the skills needed to excel in this high-growth field.
This comprehensive guide profiles the top five dental assistant programs available in the Provo metro area. We evaluate each program on factors like curriculum, hands-on training, career support services, costs and more. Read on for an in-depth overview of Provo’s best options for dental assistant training.
Why Complete Formal Dental Assistant Training?
While on-the-job training is possible for some dental assisting roles, most experts recommend completing an accredited program. Formal training allows you to:
- Learn all aspects of dental assisting, including lab techniques, digital x-rays, patient care, office operations and more
- Train on industry-standard equipment and technology
- Become qualified for certification exams like the DANB CDA
- Increase employability through robust career support services
- Complete externships and hands-on training for real-world experience
By investing the time upfront in a quality program, you can be fully prepared to thrive in your new dental assisting career.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Program
With several excellent dental assistant programs available in the Provo area, it’s important to weigh all your options before enrolling. Here are some key factors to consider:
Program Length: Dental assisting programs range from short-term training that takes less than 6 months to complete to more extensive 1+ year programs. Make sure to choose a timeline that fits with your schedule and financial resources.
Costs and Financial Aid: Program costs also vary widely, from a few thousand dollars to over $10k for some accelerated programs. Many schools offer flexible payment plans, scholarships and access to financial aid.
Hands-on Training: Look for opportunities like simulation labs, live patient clinics and externships to gain real-world dental assisting experience.
Faculty Credentials: Programs with instructors who actively work in the dental field provide the most up-to-date, practical training.
Career Assistance: Mentorship, interview prep, resume writing services and job boards can ease your transition to a dental career.
Now let’s explore Provo‘s top-rated dental assisting programs in more detail.
1. Utah Valley Dental Assisting
Utah Valley Dental Assisting is Provo‘s premier choice for dental assistant training. This highly respected program delivers comprehensive education focused on preparing students for certification and career success.
Program Overview
- 11-week, full-time program
- Ideal for new grads and career changers
- Hands-on training in modern dental clinic with simulation tech
- Externship experience included
- 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio
Cost
- Tuition: $3,697
- Payment plans and financing available
Training Facilities
The program‘s state-of-the-art dental clinic features:
- Fully-equipped operatories
- Digital x-ray systems
- Patient simulation units
- Small class sizes ensure personalized attention
Curriculum
Students gain expertise in:
- Chairside assisting skills
- Radiology and digital imaging
- Impression taking
- Patient care, communication
- Front and back office protocols
- Treatment planning and more
Faculty & Credentials
Utah Valley Dental Assisting faculty members have worked for many years in general and specialty dental practices. Key instructors include:
- Tressa Julian, RDA, Program Director
- Dr. Richard D. Hart, DDS – Lead Dentist
- Connie Hart, RDA – Lead Hands-on Instructor
Career Assistance
The program provides robust job search preparation services, including:
- Industry resume and cover letter templates
- Interview techniques workshop
- Portfolio development
- Externship opportunities
- Access to job board with hundreds of postings
What Graduates Say
"The hands-on learning was invaluable. By graduation day, I had the confidence I needed to immediately start working as a dental assistant." – Emma D., UVDA Graduate
Contact Info:
165 N 400 W St A2
Orem, UT 84057
Phone: (801) 784-8832
Website: utahvalleyda.com
2. Ameritech College Dental Assisting Program
Ameritech College offers an acclaimed 63-week dental assisting diploma program from its Draper campus, under 15 miles from downtown Provo. This program is ideal for students seeking in-depth, hands-on dental assisting education paired with general education college credits.
Program Overview
- Day and night class options
- Hands-on labs and clinical experience
- Volunteer opportunities at community dental clinics
- Certification exam preparation
- Externship rotations available
Cost
- Tuition: $13,750
- Additional costs for textbooks, exam fees
- Federal financial aid available for those who qualify
Training Facilities
Ameritech maintains a 16-chair dental clinic featuring:
- State-of-the-art equipment found in real dental offices
- Digital and traditional X-ray systems
- CAD/CAM restorative systems
- Patient education bays
- Small class sizes for personalized attention
Curriculum
This extensive program covers topics such as:
- Preventive dentistry
- Restorative procedures
- Patient care and communication
- Radiography
- Dental specialty assisting
- Practice management software
- Front office administration
- Plus general education college credits
Faculty & Credentials
Ameritech leverages partnerships with practicing dentists to develop curriculum. Select faculty include:
- Dr. Clint Asay, Program Director – Practicing Dentist
- Dr. Richard Hart, Lead Dentist – 30+ years of experience
- Connie Julian, Lead RDA Instructor – Expansive dental assisting background
Career Assistance
Robust career support services include:
- Industry resume writing
- Interview techniques workshops
- Portfolio development support
- Career fairs and job boards
- Networking events with potential employers
What Graduates Say
“I gained so much practical experience – I walked out ready to work in any dental office. The teachers gave us incredible hands-on training.” – Katie R., Ameritech DA Graduate
Contact Info:
348 E 14415 S
Draper, UT 84020
Phone: (801) 816-1444
Website: ameritech.edu
3. Dental Assisting Programs of Utah
Operating training centers in both Orem and Lindon, Dental Assisting Programs of Utah is a top choice for dental assistant education in the greater Provo metro. This school focuses on delivering an affordable, convenient and fast-paced program.
Program Overview
- 10-week intensive program
- Day and night courses available
- Condensed schedule is ideal for quick entry into the field
- Includes certification exam prep
- Hands-on labs and clinical training
Cost
- Tuition: $3,299
- Additional costs for textbooks, enrollment fee
- Payment plans available
Training Facilities
DAPU‘s Orem and Lindon campuses feature:
- Fully equipped, functioning dental operatories
- Industry-standard equipment and technology
- Smart-enabled classrooms
- Small class sizes
Curriculum
Key topics covered include:
- Chairside assisting
- Intraoral procedures support
- Patient care and communication
- Radiology safety
- Impression taking skills
- Back office administration
- Front desk operations
Faculty & Credentials
Instructors have professional dental assisting experience in specialty offices like oral surgery and orthodontics. Select faculty:
- Caybree Johnson, RDA – Director & Lead Instructor
- Alyssa Everett, RDA – Lab and Clinical Instructor
- Kristina Barney, RDA – Front Office Instructor
Career Assistance
DAPU provides job search services such as:
- Resume writing workshops
- Mock interviews
- Portfolio creation support
- Access to job databases
- Referrals to employer partners
What Graduates Say
“The small classes and helpful teachers prepared me to pass my certification exams on the first try. I had job offers before I even graduated!” – Ana G., DAPU Graduate
Contact Info:
Lindon Campus
389 W 600 N
Lindon, UT 84042
Phone: (801) 360-7171
Website: daprogramsofutah.com
4. Rocky Mountain Center for Dental Assisting
Operating an accelerated training program in Provo, Rocky Mountain Center for Dental Assisting prepares graduates for certification and employment in just 11 weeks.
Program Overview
- 11-week, full-time schedule
- Small classes of 12 students on average
- Hands-on training lab for technique development
- Externship experience included
- Prepares students to pass DANB CDA exam
Cost
- Tuition: $3,499
- Payment plans available
Training Facilities
Rocky Mountain’s Provo campus features:
- Fully equipped dental operatories
- State-of-the-art lab learning spaces
- Digital radiography equipment
- CAD/CAM restoration technology
- Small classes sizes
Curriculum
This program thoroughly covers topics like:
- Chairside assisting skills
- Patient care protocols
- Impression materials
- Oral surgery assisting
- Front office training
- Treatment coordination
Faculty & Credentials
Instructors are working dental assistants with years of real-world experience. Select faculty include:
- Michelle Walker, RDA – Lead Instructor, 15 years experience
- Dr. Richard Pope, DDS – Practicing Dentist Instructor
Career Assistance
Robust job search preparation services include:
- Graduate employment database
- Resume templates
- Interview skills workshops
- Employer career fairs and events
- One-on-one career advisor meetings
What Graduates Say
“Thanks to the stellar hands-on training, I graduated ready to jump right into a dental assisting position – exactly what I was hoping for!” – Jamie K., RMC DA Graduate
Contact Info:
290 W Center St Suite C
Provo, UT 84601
Phone: (801) 655-0764
Website: rmcdenta.com
5. Stevens-Henager Dental Assisting Program
Stevens-Henager offers an accredited 9-month dental assisting associate’s degree via its Provo campus for students seeking robust dental and general education.
Program Overview
- 9-month associate degree program
- Blends dental and gen ed college courses
- Hands-on dental lab training
- Externships at partner dental clinics
- Small class sizes
Cost
- Tuition: $17,100 total
- External scholarships and financing options available
Training Facilities
The Provo campus features excellent training spaces including:
- 12 fully equipped dental operatories
- Digital radiography capabilities
- CAD/CAM restoration stations
- High-tech classroom learning spaces
Curriculum
In addition to extensive DA technical training, course topics also include:
- English, math, sociology gen ed courses
- Pharmacology
- Business communications
- Psychology
Faculty & Credentials
Stevens-Henager leverages a mix of academic and professional dental instructors, including:
- Dr. Mark Chamberlain, Lead Dentist – 30+ years practicing
- Susan Peck, Lead RDA – 19 years dental experience
- Kristine Checketts, English Instructor – MA Education
Career Assistance
Graduates receive support with:
- Portfolio and resume development
- Interview skills coaching
- Graduate employment database access
- Job fairs with local dental employers
What Graduates Say
“This program completely prepared me for the realities of a dental assisting career. I gained so much practical experience combined with a well-rounded education.” – Jake T., SHC DA Graduate
Contact Info:
1476 S Sandhill Rd
Orem, UT 84058
Phone: (801) 418-1450
Website: stevenshenager.edu
Choosing the Best Dental Assistant Program in Provo for You
All five of these excellent dental assisting programs in Provo can launch your new career. As you evaluate your options, keep the following tips in mind:
- Compare program length, curriculum and costs to find good fits
- Make sure schedules and timelines work for your situation
- Look for cutting-edge equipment and hands-on training opportunities
- Check out faculty credentials and student career outcomes
- Consider externships, career help services and job prospects post-graduation
By selecting the right program based on your personal needs and professional goals, you’ll be set up for success as a dental assistant.
Start Your Exciting Career As a Dental Assistant
With high demand across the industry, graduates of Provo‘s top dental assisting programs enjoy excellent job prospects and starting wages. By gaining the right knowledge and hands-on abilities now, you can qualify for the many assistant openings in general dentistry and specialty practices throughout the region.
Ready to get started? Reach out to program contacts provided to learn more and get your questions answered. We wish you the very best pursuing your rewarding career in dental assisting!