Create Healthy, Happy Smiles
Make the world a brighter place, one mouth at a time.
Take the fast-track into a career in dentistry with Owens’ Dental Assisting Certificate. You’ll master everything from prepping patients and instruments to keeping appointments running efficiently—becoming the indispensable partner every dentist relies on.
From reviewing medical histories and charting to taking impressions and assisting chairside, you’ll make a real impact on patients’ oral health. As a facilitator of care, you’ll handle X-rays, manage patient flow and ensure every visit is safe, comfortable and positive.
Qualities that make dental assistants stand out:
- Passion for teeth and science: Driven to understand and care for every smile
- Problem solver and lifelong learner: Tackles challenges with curiosity and skill
- Compassionate team player: Supports colleagues and connects with patients
Small Classes. Expert Guidance.
Our instructors are experts who take pride in your success. Combined with our small class sizes, you’ll get one-on-one mentorship and precise technical feedback tailored to your goals.
Award Type
Certificate
Department
Department of Dental Hygiene
Required Credit Hours
30.5
Real Results
336
Hours in hands-on labs
144
Hours in an 8-week practicum
100%
Job placement rate among recent graduates
Get to the Root of a Rewarding Career
In just three semesters, you can gain the skills to thrive in any dental practice. This comprehensive program covers both the clinical and administrative sides of dentistry, preparing you to assist with fillings and other treatments. Your coursework includes:
- Clinical Procedures: Chairside assisting, preparing and sterilizing instruments, taking and processing dental radiographs (x-rays), and maintaining infection control
- Dental Sciences: Dental terminology and the biological sciences behind oral health
- Practice Management: Patient management, scheduling, billing and the essentials of running a dental practice
Hands-on experience is the core of our program. You’ll complete 336 hours of lab work plus at least 144 hours in an eight-week practicum, equipping you to step confidently into your career. There are two cohorts available, a fall evening program and a spring daytime program.
Career Outcomes
With this program, you’ll be able to thrive in diverse settings—from general and specialty dental practices to public health clinics, community programs and nursing homes.
Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Medical Technologists exam—or take the next step toward advanced practice with Owens’ Dental Hygiene, AAS.
Explore the employment data to understand trends in our area.
In Their Words
“Just from an Owens standpoint, the community is so well connected. It’s nice to see how many resources we have for students, and non-traditional students especially.”
Derek Koster, Dental Hygiene, ’25
Getting Started at Owens
Begin your high-quality education at an affordable price today!
Enrollment is easy—just fill out an online admissions application to get started. We’ll ask you to submit your transcripts for course placement and college credit.
To be admitted to the School of Nursing and Health Professions (SNHP), you must first apply to the College and then (after being admitted to Owens) apply for a Dental Assisting Certificate.
Upon acceptance, schedule a meeting with your admissions advisor to register for classes. Next, attend an on-campus orientation and meet with your student financial services advisor to discuss ways to pay for college.
Program Effectiveness
| Graduation Year | Employed in Dental Assisting | Employer Satisfaction Survey |
| 2021 | 100% | 100% employer satisfaction |
| 2020 | 100% | 100% employer satisfaction |
| 2019 | 100% | 100% employer satisfaction |
| 2018 | 100% | 100% employer satisfaction |
| 2017 | 100% | 100% employer satisfaction |