Top 8 Online Dental Assistant Programs for 2026

The role of a dental assistant is exactly what it sounds like — assisting dentists. While there is no specific education requirement for this role, most dental assistants earn some type of post-secondary award or certificate. Some schools even offer dental assistant certification online.

Online programs can be a great opportunity for students with busy schedules. Keep reading to learn more about online dental assistant programs.

Can I Become a Dental Assistant Online?

It is possible to attend dental assistant school online. Dental assistant online courses prepare students to work as dental assistants and obtain professional certification. Note that there aren't a lot of 100% online dental assistant schools, as many offer online classes but have in-person labs or clinical requirements.

How Much Does an Online Dental Assistant Certification Cost?

The cost of an online dental assistant certification can vary depending on the program you choose. Many programs charge less than $4,000 total, while a few charge over $15,000.

Best Dental Assistant Programs Online

Taking dental assistant classes online can be a great option for busy students. Below, we've highlighted some top places where you can receive dental assistant training online.

1. San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University (SFSU) is a public research institution in San Francisco. It offers a dental assistant certificate that combines self-paced coursework with a 40-hour clinical externship.

The program introduces students to both the clinical and administrative sides of dental assisting. Though it's self-paced, students receive support through interactive modules, virtual labs, mentoring, and career resources.

• Program length: Maximum of nine months
• Program cost: $1,399 total
• Delivery format: Online courses and in-person externship

2. Borough of Manhattan Community College

At the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), students can receive clinical dental assistant training online through the school's partnership with ed2go. This program also provides vouchers to sit for the Anatomy, Morphology, and Physiology (AMP), Infection Control (ICE), and Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) portions of the Dental Assisting National Board examinations (DANB).

BMCC, a public community college, is located in New York City. The dental assistant program here is self-paced, with most students finishing within 12 months.

• Program length: Up to 12 months
• Program cost: $3,195 total
• Delivery format: Fully online with an optional in-person clinical experience

3. Auburn University

Auburn University offers an online dental assistant program with an optional in-person volunteer externship. Auburn is a public research university in Auburn, AL.

This program covers the history of dentistry, introduction to the dental office, the legal aspects of dentistry, introduction to oral anatomy, dental operatory, introduction to tooth structure, the oral cavity, and other areas. Students will be prepared to sit for professional certification exams, like those from the DANB.

• Program length: Four to six months
• Program cost: $3,950 total
• Delivery format: Fully online with an optional in-person clinical externship

4. San Diego State University

The online clinical dental assistant training program at San Diego State University (SDSU) is also offered through ed2go. Similar to the program at BMCC, it offers vouchers for students to sit for certification exams.

SDSU, located in San Diego, is a public research university. The ed2go program here is self-paced, and most students finish within 12 months.

• Program length: Up to 12 months
• Program cost: $3,483 total
• Delivery format: Fully online with an optional in-person clinical experience

5. Texas Academy of General Dentistry

The Texas Academy of General Dentistry (TAGD) is the Texas branch of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), a professional dental organization. It offers a registered dental assistant (RDA) program that prepares students to earn their RDA certificate in Texas.

The program has three sections: radiology, infection control, and jurisprudence, as well as a final exam. Note that in Texas, RDA applicants also need to take a human trafficking course and a CPR course.

• Program length: 45 days
• Program cost: $179 total
• Delivery format: Online

6. College of Health Care Professions

Students at the College of Healthcare Professions (CHCP) can complete the dental assisting certificate program primarily online. The program includes three weekends of hands-on training.

The for-profit school is headquartered in Houston, with additional campuses throughout Texas. The program includes six modules and can be completed in as little as 48 weeks.

• Program length: 48 weeks
• Program cost: $18,400 total
• Delivery format: Online courses with three on-campus immersions

7. U.S. Career Institute

The U.S. Career Institute offers an online dental assistant certificate program designed to prepare students for RDA certification. The program includes 31 beginner-friendly lessons.

Students learn how to perform many dental assistant duties, obtain entry-level employment in the field, and practice with virtual labs. The program is self-paced, allowing students to complete it in as little as five months.

• Program length: Five months
• Program cost: $1,239 total
• Delivery format: Online

8. East Ohio College

Through East Ohio College, students can complete a dental assisting program in a hybrid format. Courses are primarily online with one on-campus day per lab class.

Graduates are trained to assist the dentist with patient procedures, expose and develop radiographs, prepare instruments, and perform lab procedures. The program requires 57 credit hours.

• Program length: 72 weeks
• Program cost: $3,995 per full-time term
• Delivery format: Online with occasional on-campus labs

How We Rank Programs

To choose the dental assistant programs featured above, we focused on:

• Program format: All programs are either completely or predominantly online.
• Program length: Most programs take less than a year to complete.
• Affordability: Every program offers either affordable tuition or comprehensive financial aid options.

What To Look for in a Dental Assistant Program

When choosing a dental assistant program, there are several things to consider, including:

• Program format: In-person options are most common for dental assisting, but some schools offer hybrid and online programs.
• Length: Many programs take less than a year, but some take longer. Others are self-paced, giving you control over the length.
• Certification eligibility: Most, but not all, dental assisting programs prepare students to sit for professional certification.
• Cost and aid: Tuition costs and financial aid can vary significantly between programs.

Career Paths for Dental Assistants

A dental assistant program will lead to a career as a dental assistant. However, you can choose to further your career to work in dental technology or dental hygiene. These types of careers often require additional education.

FAQs About Online Dental Assistant Programs

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about online dental assistant programs.

How Long Does a Dental Assistant Program Take?

Some dental assistant programs take less than six months to complete, while others take a year to a year and a half. Others are self-paced, allowing you to control the program's duration.

Do Dental Assistants Need Certification?

You do not need certification to work as a dental assistant. However, some employers may require or prefer their hires to be certified.

Additionally, in some states, certain tasks, such as taking X-rays, require certification. Certification requirements vary between states.

How Much Can I Earn as a Dental Assistant?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for dental assistants in the U.S. is $47,300 per year.

Browse Dental Programs

Start your journey toward a career in dental assisting by exploring the online programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about their program opportunities.