Trade Schools
Dental assistants work in dentists’ offices and are responsible for providing patient care, taking X-rays, keeping records, scheduling appointments, and other similar tasks.
If you want to prepare for a profession that can be both personally and financially fulfilling, this may be the right path for you.
This career usually provides job security, good pay, and a professional work atmosphere.
Training in standard precautions and other infection control standards that are required by OSHA has to be provided to all dental healthcare personnel in Arkansas, after employment, prior to direct patient care, and at least annually.
Completing a post-secondary training program is a great way to learn the additional skills needed for this profession.
To help you choose the program and the format that works best for you, on this page, we have compiled information about the best dental assistant schools in Arkansas.
1Central Arkansas School of Dental Assisting
About the School
Central Arkansas School of Dental Assisting is a fully licensed school that trains and develops students for an exciting career in dental assisting.
The school uses a hands-on approach directly in a dental office to provide a 10-week in-depth program.
After completing the program, students are registered and certified in nitrous oxide administration, dental radiography, coronal polishing, infection control, and CPR.
Tuition for this program is $3,800.
The registration fee is $95.
Tuition includes:
- All educational materials
- Certificate in Dental Assisting through the state of Arkansas
- Certificate in nitrous oxide administration, dental radiography, coronal polishing, infection control, and CPR.
Classes are held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for ten weeks.
The mornings consist of in-class training and the afternoons of hands-on laboratories in the school’s state-of-the-art dental office.
Contact Information
- Address: 12501 Cantrell Rd, Little Rock, AR, 72223
- Phone: 479-462-1676
- Website: https://casda.net
2Northwest Arkansas School of Dental Assisting
About the School
Northwest Arkansas School of Dental Assisting uses a hands-on approach directly in a dental office.
Students attend the accelerated 10-week in-depth program, one day per week for 10 weeks.
After completing the program, students are registered/certified in nitrous oxide administration, dental radiography, coronal polishing, infection control, and CPR.
Classes are held on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The mornings consist of class training and the afternoons are hands-on laboratories in a state-of-the art dental office.
After completing the program, students are certified in oxide administration, dental radiography, coronal polishing, infection control, and CPR.
Tuition is $3,800.
Students pay $95 for the registration fee.
Courses Offered
The curriculum covers:
- Introduction to Dental Assisting
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Infection Control and Management of Hazardous Materials
- Clinical Dentistry
- Moisture Control
- Pain and Anxiety Control
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2801 Main dr., Fayetteville, AR, 72704
- Phone: (479) 462-1676
- Website: https://www.nwasda.net
3Accelerated Academy of Dental Assisting
About the School
The Accelerated Academy of Dental Assisting offers training programs that are convenient, affordable, and achievable.
The academy offers three dental assistant courses per year.
The school uses a curriculum that makes space for both lecture and hands-on learning opportunities.
The instructors have been licensed by Accelerated Academy Headquarters and are highly qualified.
Classes are available at several locations throughout the United States.
The Dental Assisting course runs for 10 weeks.
Classes are held on Saturdays to allow students to balance their work with their training.
After completing the course, students will meet all the requirements to obtain their Registered Dental Assistant license.
The program also offers flexible payment plans so students can graduate without accumulating debt.
Tuition is $3,279 for early registration.
The curriculum includes classes such as:
- X-rays (conventional and digital)
- Front desk operations
- OSHA and HIPAA guidelines
- Room setup, breakdown, and sterilizing instruments
- Four-handed dentistry
Students must be 17 years of age or older.
The school also requires a copy of a high school diploma, a copy of a GED, or a High School Equivalency Test.
Contact Information
- Address: 133 Aspen Sq Ste H, Denham Springs, LA 70726
- Phone: (844) 727-3755
- Website: https://www.acceleratedacademy.us
4Little Rock Dental Assistant School
About the School
Little Rock Dental Assistant School offers a dental assistant course that can be completed in 12 weeks.
According to the school’s website, so far, the course has helped thousands of people start a new career in the dental field.
The school offers affordable tuition and flexible payment plans.
The hybrid learning program includes in-person labs at a local dental office once a week.
The labs are paired with self-paced online lectures that can be completed at home during the week.
The school uses a curriculum taught by passionate and knowledgeable school instructors.
Students attend a 4.5-hour class dedicated specifically to learning and perfecting their lab skills in a real dental office in Little Rock.
Tuition is $2,950 if paid in full.
Contact Information
- Address: 11600 Kanis Road, Suite 800, Little Rock, AR 72211
- Phone: (501) 290-4375
- Website: https://littlerockdentalassistant.com
5Apex Dental Education
About the School
Apex Dental Education provides hands-on, skill-focused training for aspiring Certified Dental Assistants.
The program is designed to equip students with the practical experience and knowledge needed to excel in the dental field.
Early registration tuition is $3,250.
Early registration closes ten weeks prior to the first week of class.
Standard tuition is $3,550.
All course materials and textbook rental are included in tuition.
Each subject is taught through a blend of classroom instruction and practical, hands-on training with the equipment, instrumentation, and materials found in state-of-the-art dental offices.
Semesters are ten weeks long.
Testing takes place at the end of the program.
Classes are held on Fridays or Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact Information
- Address:401 South Bowman Road, Little Rock, AR 72211
- Phone: (844) 507-4779
- Website: https://www.apexdentaleducation.com/little-rock
6Searcy School of Dental Assisting
About the School
Searcy School of Dental Assisting prepares students for employment in just ten weeks.
The courses prepare students for employment anywhere in the United States.
Students prepare to perform tasks such as:
- engaging with patients
- handling office admin tasks
- assisting dentists & hygienists
- taking dental impressions
The program includes 80 hours of lecture and lab at a local dental office.
Classes take place at night.
The program also includes hands-on training in all aspects of dental assisting.
Students also participate in a 50-hour internship with a practicing dentist.
Contact Information
- Address: 1639 E. Beebe Capps Expy. Searcy, AR 72143
- Phone: (501) 203-0120
- Website: https://searcydentalassistingschool.com
7River Valley Dental Assisting Academy
About the School
River Valley Dental Assisting Academy prepares students for certification in 13 weeks with top-tier training.
The training allows students to master both clinical and administrative skills.
The dental assisting program includes:
- X-Ray Certification
- Nitrous Oxide Certification
- Coronal Polish Certification
- CPR Certification
- Access to same-day crown technology
- Hands-on experience with digital x-rays
- Mentors to help build your resume
- And more
The program covers everything from chairside assistance to radiography, sterilization procedures, and patient care ethics.
Contact Information
- Address: 5901 Riley Park Dr, Fort Smith, AR 72916
- Phone: 479-445-3120
- Website: https://www.rivervalleydaa.com
8NorthWest Arkansas Community College
About the School
NorthWest Arkansas Community College offers more than 75 degrees and certificates students may choose from.
Certificate and degree programs are available to help students begin their careers soon or transfer to a four-year institution.
Courses Offered
The college offers a Dental Assistant program that prepares students with training in patient care and office skills and helps them become an integral part of the dental healthcare team.
Students are trained to be proficient in patient care, such as dietary counseling, monitoring vital signs, administering and monitoring nitrous oxide, taking impressions, and more.
The program also covers office skills such as customer service and computer proficiency.
Students are required to complete more than 120 hours of internships in a local dental office, dental labs, or other dental procedures.
Once the program is completed, students receive a Dental Assisting Technical Certificate and a Certificate of Proficiency in Dental Assisting.
Contact Information
- Address: One College Drive, Bentonville, AR 72712
- Phone: 479.986.4000
- Website: https://www.nwacc.edu
9OC Dental Academy
About the School
Dental Assisting Classes are also available online at schools located in other states.
OC Dental Academy helps students start a dental career in just ten weeks.
The school’s instructors have more than 40 years of experience in the dental field.
They offer detailed and informative courses that teach students everything they need to know about dental assisting.
The school offers valuable hands-on training.
Courses Offered
The dental assisting online course includes 42 interactive modules with
- Videos and animations
- Interactive exercises
- Quizzes
- exams that provide instant feedback
Students are trained in the following areas:
- Overview of the Dentitions
- Oral Pathology
- Nutrition
- Chemical and Waste Management
- Medical History
- Vital Signs
- Delivering Dental Care
- And many other topics
Contact Information
- Address: 30162 Tomas, Suite 202, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
- Phone: (949) 866-4580
- Website: https://www.ocdentalacademy.com
10Penn Foster Career School
About the School
Penn Foster Career School offers an online Dental Assistant program that prepares students to take the first steps on their dental assistant paths.
The program prepares students for the Radiation Health and Safety exam and the Infection Control exam from the Dental Assisting National Board.
Students learn foundational skills in dental procedures, dental medications, and more.
The online programs are flexible enough to allow students to finish the coursework at a pace that works for them.
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes:
- Dental Terminology, Anatomy, and Charting
- Preventive Dentistry and Ethics
- Dental Medications and Materials
- Dental Specialties
- Dental Finish Office
The program can be completed in three months by students in the fast track program and is completed in seven months on average.
This program costs $799 if paid in full.
Contact Information
- Address:200 Hickory Street, Scranton, PA 18505 USA
- Phone:800-275-4410
- Website: https://www.pennfoster.edu
Regional Salary in Arkansas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO | 730 | $42,330 | $20.35 | $48,460 | $35,780 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | 270 | $39,040 | $18.77 | $46,230 | $30,100 |
| Hot Springs, AR | 120 | $38,130 | $18.33 | $45,480 | $29,930 |
| Jonesboro, AR | 180 | $40,250 | $19.35 | $46,870 | $32,770 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | 910 | $43,070 | $20.71 | $51,810 | $36,400 |
| Pine Bluff, AR | 50 | $39,160 | $18.83 | $47,790 | $30,610 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Arkansas provides plenty of training options for those who want to become dental assistants.
If this is the career path you want to pursue, we encourage you to continue the research and choose the school and the program that best meets your learning style, schedule, and budget.
