Clinical Dental Assistant Certificate Program
Dental Assistants play a vital role in the dental office, handling a wide range of responsibilities—from managing patient records and sterilizing instruments to supporting clinicians during procedures. It’s a dynamic, fast-paced position that directly impacts patient care.
Offered by Workforce Training Academy USA in partnership with Loyola Marymount University Extension, this accelerated, hybrid Clinical Dental Assistant Certificate Program combines online instruction with in-person, hands-on training so you can build the foundational knowledge and practical skills for an entry-level dental assisting role.
Students who successfully complete the program will be awarded an LMU Certificate of Completion and are prepared to pursue nationally recognized DANB credentials—strengthening their career prospects in the dental field.
Course Overview
The Clinical Dental Assistant Certificate Program, delivered in a hybrid format by Workforce Training Academy USA, combines structured online coursework with in-person, hands-on training to prepare students for entry-level roles in the dental field.
This certificate program provides students with the knowledge and confidence needed to support dentists during patient care, understand safe and sterile clinical practices, assist with dental procedures, educate patients, and help manage front-office responsibilities.
Students learn essential topics such as dental terminology, anatomy, dental diseases, instruments and equipment, four-handed dentistry, sterilization procedures, radiology, restorative procedures, impressions, oral surgery, periodontics, endodontics, crown and bridge procedures, office management, HIPAA, billing, insurance, and dental practice operations.
The certificate program includes an in-person, hands-on component through which students are eligible to earn an Infection Control certification, offered in partnership with Southern California Regional Occupational Center (SoCal ROC), a certified third-party provider — an industry-recognized credential valued across healthcare settings.
Program Format
- Total program: 86 hours
- Online dental assisting instruction: 72 hours
- In-person, hands-on training (Infection Control certification): 14 hours
- Schedule: Online coursework delivered over 14 days (four days per week), followed by an in-person, hands-on training session.
Students who successfully complete the program will be awarded an LMU Certificate of Completion and are eligible to earn an Infection Control certification through Southern California Regional Occupational Center (SoCal ROC), a certified third-party provider. Graduates are also prepared to pursue nationally recognized dental assisting credentials, including the DANB Radiation Health and Safety exam.
Who Should Take This Certificate Program
This certificate program is ideal for individuals who want to begin a career in the dental field and are looking for practical, career-focused training that can lead to entry-level opportunities in dental offices, specialty practices, and other oral healthcare settings.
This program is a strong fit for:
- Individuals who are new to the dental field and want to become dental assistants.
- People who enjoy helping others and working directly with patients.
- Students who want a healthcare career path that can be completed in a short period of time.
- Students considering a future pathway into dental hygiene, dental lab technology, orthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, or dentistry.
- Current dental office employees who need structured training or additional certification preparation.
Instructor: Dolores Finegold
Dolores Finegold brings more than 30 years of experience in the dental field and has dedicated her career to helping students develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed as dental professionals.
Dolores began her dental career in 1992 and has extensive experience in dental assisting, patient care, clinical procedures, and dental education. She holds certifications in Radiation Health and Safety and Certified Dental Assistant credentials.
Known for her supportive teaching style, Dolores has spent many years instructing students in dental assisting. She is passionate about education and takes pride in helping students reach their goals.
Ready to Begin? Let’s Talk.
Have questions or ready to enroll? Complete the form below and our team will be in touch with program details, upcoming start dates, and everything you need to take the next step toward your dental assisting career.
In just weeks, you could be on your way to an entry-level career as a dental assistant. Our hybrid Clinical Dental Assistant Certificate Program combines flexible online coursework with hands-on training, so you gain both the knowledge and the practical skills employers are looking for.