Trade Schools
Dental assistants perform a variety of duties in a dental office, under the supervision of a dentist.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage reported by Hawaii dental assistants was $42,960 as of May 2023.
The same agency reports that this profession will grow 8 percent by 2033, resulting in 54,900 new job openings across the United States.
If you want to prepare for a rewarding career in healthcare, our selection of the best dental assistant schools in Hawaii is worth exploring.
Our list includes both in-person and online programs.
Program duration varies from a few weeks to two years, depending on the credentials it leads to.
Costs also vary depending on the school, the credential, and the program duration.
1Dental Assisting Training Center
About the School
Dental Assisting Training Center offers a dental assisting program that can be completed in three months.
The program is designed to provide students with the ability to start working and earning money right away.
Students learn how to take both 2D and 3D images, as well as intra-oral scanning and video, the ins and outs of CadCam technology and restorations, and the basics of 3D printing as well.
The program incorporates both traditional dental assisting techniques and new advanced protocols.
Classes take place on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Students attend clinical training on Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Tuition is $4,500 if paid in full and includes two sets of scrubs, a textbook and workbook, and all necessary dental materials and supplies.
The curriculum includes the Basics of Tooth Morphology and Teeth Numbers, Charside Assisting, Infection Control, Taking Impressions, Digital X-rays, Intraoral Scanning, Dental Implants, and many other topics.
Contact Information
- Address: 1314 S. King St., Suite 864, Honolulu, HI 96814
- Phone: (808) 291-2254
- Website: https://www.dtcofhawaii.com
2Kapi'olani Community College
Kapi’olani Community College aims to help students succeed both academically and personally.
Courses Offered
The college offers a Dental Assisting program that provides two certificate options.
This Certificate of Completion is a one-semester, daytime-only, curriculum designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in private dental offices, hospital outpatient clinics, state and federal agencies, insurance companies, and dental supply houses.
Students receive instruction in basic dental operatory and laboratory skills and dental terminology.
The following Degree and Certificate options are available:
- Certificate of Achievement- Dental Assisting- 28 credits
- Certificate of Competence- Dental Assisting- 15 credits
The program in Dental Assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Contact Information
- Address: 4303 Diamond Head Rd, Honolulu, HI 96816
- Phone: (808) 734-9000
- Website: https://www.kapiolani.hawaii.edu
3Hawaii School of Dental Arts
About the School
Hawaii School of Dental Arts equips students with the skills to become knowledgeable healthcare professionals.
Before enrollment, students are required to complete a physical examination from a licensed physician and provide a record of their immunizations, Hepatitis B (start), and CPR Certification.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available:
- The Art of Dental Office Administration- a course that costs $2,650
- The Art of Clinical Chairside Dental Assisting- a course that costs $3,150
- The Art of the Complete Dental Healthcare Experience- a $5,500 course
The Dental Office Administration program can be completed in 10 weeks by students who attend classes on Mondays and Thursday evenings.
Clinical Chairside Dental Assisting students attend classes for 12 Sundays.
Contact Information
- Address: 1441 Kapiolani Blvd. Ste. 410, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
- Phone: (808) 622 1116
- Website: https://www.hawaiischooldentalarts.com
4The Academy of Medical Profession
The Academy of Medical Profession offers a ten-week all-inclusive program designed to enable students to be job-ready for a career in dental assisting.
The program is designed to teach all the aspects of obtaining employment in the field, helping students prepare for the national dental exams, perfecting their resume, and learning how to find employment in Dental Assisting.
After completing the program, graduates have the opportunity to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board, Radiation Health and Safety.
Classes are available online and at several Maine locations.
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes:
- Professional and legal aspects of dental assisting
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Dental anatomy and charting using practice management software
- Moisture control and instrument transfer
- Dental equipment, instruments, and materials
- Dental imaging
- And more
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
The program includes an optional one-day lab.
Tuition for this program is $3,200.
Online classes are held on Zoom once a week for 12 weeks.
Contact Information
- Address:18 Pleasant Street Suite 210 Brunswick, ME 04011
- Phone:866.516.8274
- Website: https://www.academyofmedicalprofessions.com
5Hawaii Dental Assisting Academy
Hawaii Dental Assisting Academy provides students with training and skills to create a life-long career in dentistry.
Applicants need proof of graduation from a high school or high school equivalency.
Tuition for the complete Dental Assistant training program is $6,500.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the academy:
- Dental Assisting Program
- Radiation Health & Safety Review Program
- NELDA Review Program
- CDA Review Program
The Dental Assisting program includes:
- Radiology (Radiation Health and Safety)
- Chairside Assisting
- Infection Control & Oral Anatomy
- Dental Materials
- Dental Office Management
Contact Information
- Address:1 1425 Dillingham Blvd. Suite 207, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 (Clinical Location)
- Phone: (808) 428-4747
- Website: https://hdaacademy.com
6University of Hawaii Maui College
The University of Hawaii Maui College prepares students for rewarding careers in health sciences.
The college provides a variety of Bachelor’s Degrees, Associate Degrees, and Certificates.
Courses Offered
The Dental Hygiene program available at the college is a four-semester and one-summer session program.
The program prepares students to work in general and specialty dental offices, and public health agencies.
The curriculum follows the requirements of the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation for a Dental Hygiene program.
The program awards 84 credits.
The program has prerequisite courses such as:
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- General Microbiology
- General Pharmacology
- And more
Contact Information
- Address:1 310 W. Ka’ahumanu Ave, Kahului, Hawaiʻi 96732-1617
- Phone: (808) 984-3500
- Website: https://maui.hawaii.edu
7Penn Foster
About the School
Dental assistant training programs are also available at schools and colleges located in other states and can be completed online.
One such program is the one offered by Penn Foster.
The program is designed for students who pursue a career where they can help others.
The curriculum prepares students to sit for the Radiation Health and Safety exam and the Infection Control Exam.
Students learn about the foundational skills in dental procedures, dental medications, and more.
The curriculum includes ten courses and can be completed in three months by students in the fast-track program.
The average completion time is seven months.
Courses Offered
The Dental Assisting curriculum includes:
- Dental Terminology, Anatomy, and Charting
- Preventive Dentistry and Ethics
- Dental Medications and Materials
- Dental Specialties
- Dental Front Office
Contact Information
- Address:200 Hickory Street, Scranton, PA 18505
- Phone: 800-275-4410
- Website: https://www.pennfoster.edu
8OC Dental Academy
About the School
Another online dental assistant training program is offered by OC Dental Academy, a California school with more than 40 years of experience in the dental field.
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 with instant feedback
Students are trained in the following areas:
- Overview of the Dentitions
- Oral Pathology
- Nutrition
- Chemical and Waste Management
- Medical History
- Assisting in a Medical Emergency
- Vital Signs
- Delivering Dental Care
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 30162 Tomas, Suite 202, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
- Phone: (949) 866-4580
- Website: https://www.ocdentalacademy.com
9Borough of Manhattan Community College
About the School
Among many other career paths, Borough of Manhattan Community College offers a dental assisting program.
The curriculum is designed to provide students with real-world perspectives from experienced dental assistants.
This course is available fully online and helps students gain the technical skills they need in order to join a dental office as clinical dental assistants.
The coursework covers essential information about anatomy and physiology, preventive dentistry, patient care, radiology, pharmacology, employment strategies, and much more.
Students get to explore the basics of maintaining computerized clinical dental records using Dentrix Practice Management software.
There are no prerequisites to complete this course, but candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent to sit for national certification exams.
The curriculum includes The Dental Profession, Basic Dental Sciences, Dental Anatomy, Oral Pathology, Infection Control, Emergency Management, Oral Health and Nutrition, Introduction to Chairside Assisting, Anesthesia and Sedation, and many other topics.
Contact Information
- Address: 199 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007
- Phone: (212) 220-8000
- Website: https://www.bmcc.cuny.edu
1090-Day Dental Assistant
About the School
Flexible, affordable, and convenient ways to start a dental assisting career are also available at 90-Day Dental Assistant.
The course is fully online and allows you to learn at your own pace.
Students learn about Patient Care, X-rays, Dental Impressions, Dental Charting, Chairside Assisting, and Sterilization.
The course costs $500 in one easy payment and includes:
- Immediate access to the course
- Self-paced learning
- Comprehensive learning materials
- RHS exam prep materials
- Digital certification after completion and final installment.
A two-payment option of $325 is also available.
Contact Information
- Phone: 480-516-8068
- Website: https://90dayda.com
Regional Salary in Hawaii
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI | 200 | $44,900 | $21.59 | $57,410 | $34,990 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | 960 | $42,340 | $20.36 | $48,320 | $32,120 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our selection of the best dental assistant schools in Hawaii, the next step is to decide if this career path is right for you and choose the school that will prepare you for entry-level employment.
This is an important step so take your time and choose wisely.
