Make someone smile with a career as a dental assistant.
Provide dental care, work with dentists, and use advanced equipment.
Dental assistants are highly skilled professionals who work closely with dentists to provide patient care, take X-rays, maintain records, and schedule appointments. We provide quality training and hands-on lab experiences using state-of-the-art dental equipment.
Get Prepared for a National Certification
This comprehensive four-month, three-part program presents Introduction to Dental Assisting, Radiology, and Dental Office Administration. Our sequence of courses prepares students for the National Entry Level Dental Assisting (NELDA) exam and the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
Job Outlook and Salaries
According to the Outlook Occupational Handbook, dental assistants make a national average of $46,540 annually (2023). The job growth is projected to increase by 8% from 2023 to 2033, outpacing the average for all occupations, and employers expect 54,900 job openings each year.
In Prince George's County, MD, dental assistants earn a median annual salary of $46,447 (Career Coach).
Program Information
Those interested in this program must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Have a computer with internet access.
- Complete the following CPR courses: American Heart Association BLS Health Provider or CPR-307 CPR for the Health Professional.
- Ability to speak and understand American English.
- Proof of Accuplacer minimum reading score of 237, proof of college credits, or a cumulative GPA of 2.6 or higher for recent high school graduates (within five years at a U.S. high school). (Official final transcripts must be sent to the Registration Office to be placed on the student's record.)
Schedule
The next sequence of courses will begin in the 2026 spring semester.
Approximate Costs
$2,500 dollars (total for all three classes in the sequence).
Format
Program consists of in-person, on-campus lectures and skills labs.
How To Register
To get registered for this class, please get in touch with the program coordinator at patterrn@pgcc.edu
Scheduled Information Sessions
We offer free virtual information sessions for those interested in this program. Ask questions, learn more about program requirements, and get more details on certificates and certifications.
Meeting Details
Sessions are held every third Wednesday of the month from 2-2:30 pm.
See also
Dental Assisting National Board
Maryland State Dental Association
Contact Us
301-546-0879 | wdcehealthcare@pgcc.edu
patterrn@pgcc.edu
Want to learn more?
Visit our Allied Health and Nursing page.