Earn More, Learn More! Get Certified as a Dental Assistant with Paid Training
With $68 billion in annual revenue and over 155,000 job openings projected by 2026 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024), dental assisting is one of America’s fastest-growing healthcare careers. Yet traditional programs often burden students with $3,000–$7,000 in tuition fees and unpaid internships. Today,apprenticeships and private partnerships offer paid dental assistant training, allowing candidates to earn $18–$24/hour while obtaining certifications like DANB’s RHS and ICE. Over 89% of trainees secure full-time roles within 60 days of program completion (American Dental Association, 2023).
Dental Assistant Roles & Certification Pathways
Dental assistants perform critical tasks such as:
- Sterilizing instruments and preparing treatment rooms
- Capturing digital X-rays (DANB Radiation Health & Safety certification required)
- Assisting dentists during procedures with 4-handed dentistry techniques
- Managing patient records via Dentrix or Eaglesoft software
Certification Requirements
Approved by the [Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
- 120-hour hybrid coursework (infection control, dental anatomy)
- 250-hour paid clinical externship
- Pass DANB’s RHS exam (scoring 75%+) and state jurisprudence test
Why Choose Paid Dental Assistant Training?
Competitive Earnings & Career Growth
- Earn $18–$24/hour during training; post-certification wages jump to $22–$30/hour
- Sponsors cover $450–$800 DANB exam fees and provide employment contracts
- 90% job placement guarantee with partner clinics (Dental Assisting National Board, 2024)
Comprehensive Benefits
- Medical, vision, and dental care at sponsor clinics
- Paid time off (PTO) and 401(k) matching up to 4%
- $1,200 annual CE allowance for advanced certifications
Age-Tailored Program Features
| Age Group | Exclusive Perks | Program Example |
|---|---|---|
| 18-35 | $4,500 relocation grants; weekend shifts | Aspen Dental FastTrack |
| 35-45 | Prior healthcare experience credit | Pacific Dental Services Career Leap |
| 45-55 | Accelerated 10-week hybrid courses | DentalCE Accelerate |
| 55+ | Part-time roles with retirement plan options | AARP Dental Pathways |
5-Step Enrollment Guide
Verify Eligibility
Confirm state residency and high school diploma/GED. Non-native speakers must score TOEFL 70+.
Apply to Sponsors
Submit applications to 3+ programs like Heartland Dental’s Earn & Learn.
Ace the Interview
Prepare for questions like “How would you handle a patient with dental anxiety?”
Complete Pre-Work
Finish OSHA 10-Hour Certification (covered by sponsors).
Start Earning
Begin paid externships within 3–5 weeks.
Dental Assistant Roles & Certification Pathways
Dental assistants perform critical tasks such as:
- Sterilizing instruments and preparing treatment rooms
- Capturing digital X-rays (DANB Radiation Health & Safety certification required)
- Assisting dentists during procedures with 4-handed dentistry techniques
- Managing patient records via Dentrix or Eaglesoft software
Certification Requirements
Approved by the [Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
- 120-hour hybrid coursework (infection control, dental anatomy)
- 250-hour paid clinical externship
- Pass DANB’s RHS exam (scoring 75%+) and state jurisprudence test
Success Stories
Sophia Martinez (Houston, TX)
A former bartender, Sophia joined Smile Brands Inc.’s paid program, earning $20.50/hour during training. By avoiding $5,200 in student loans, she saved $980 in interest over 18 months. Now a certified DA at Castle Dental, she earns $54,000 annually with benefits.
Michael Brown (Phoenix, AZ)
Through Midwestern University’s DA apprenticeship, Michael earned $22/hour while completing his externship. Post-certification, he secured a $60,000/year role at Aspen Dental, crediting the program’s $1,500 CE stipend for his expanded skills in orthodontics.
Your Path to a Rewarding Dental Career Starts Now
With 12% job growth projected through 2032 (BLS, 2024) and median wages exceeding $44,000/year, dental assisting offers stability and fulfillment. By enrolling in a paid training program, you transform your compassion into a thriving career—without debt.
- Explore Programs: Find apprenticeships tailored to local demand.
- Attend Dental Career Webinars: Gain insights from industry leaders.
- Download the ADA Career Toolkit: Access exam prep guides and resume templates.
Turn your ambition into action—your future in dentistry begins today!
Click here to find the apprenticeship position that suits you | Data sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, American Dental Association, Dental Assisting National Board.