Make someone smile with a career as a dental assistant.

Program Overview

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) and Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exams administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

Job Outlook and Salaries

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, dental assistants earn 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

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Possess a high school diploma or GED
  • Have a computer with internet access
  • Complete one of the following courses:
    • American Heart Association BLS Health Provider
    • CPR-307 CPR for the Health Professional
  • Demonstrate ability to speak and understand American English
  • Provide 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 Office of Records and Registration for placement on the student's record.

Course Information

DEN-300: Introduction to Dental Assisting, Part 1

Tuesdays and Thursdays
Aug. 18 - Oct. 6, 2026
Time: 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Cost: $800

Format 
This 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

Notice: The next Zoom Information Session is cancelled. For information, please email patterrn@pgcc.edu.

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 on the third Wednesday of each month from 2:00-2:30 p.m.

JOIN VIA ZOOM

See also

Dental Assisting National Board
Maryland State Dental Association

Contact Us

Phone: 301-546-0879
Email: wdcehealthcare@pgcc.edu | pattern@pgcc.edu 

Want to learn more?
Visit our Allied Health and Nursing page.